- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Small cars
2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer MPG & Fuel Cost
2 model years · 19–26 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 9 of 10 small car configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer at a glance
The 2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer covers 2 model years in the EPA database (9 configurations in all), rated 19–26 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2003, costs about $2,510 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD (26 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2003.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer by model year
What the 2003 Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$209
$2,510 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.18
Per 100 miles
$16.73
Five years
$12,550
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$980less a year
Class median $3,490 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2002: The most efficient configuration stays at 26 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,510.
Gas configurations (5)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,510 |
| Lancer 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,510 |
| Lancer 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,720 |
| Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2002 Mitsubishi Lancer MPG
23–26 MPG · $2,510–$2,840/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,510 |
| Lancer 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 30 | 25 | $2,610 |
| Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 1.6L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Lancer 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD: $3,420 in California and $2,190 in Texas, a $1,230 difference.
- California $3,420
- Washington $3,170
- New York $2,510
- Florida $2,370
- Texas $2,190
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 small car models.
Generations
- 2002-2003
- 2004-2006
- 2007
- 2008-2017 (9th gen)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
EPA rates the 2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer at 19–26 MPG combined across 9 configurations and 2 model years. The most efficient version, the 2003 Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 26 MPG (24 city, 30 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Every model year of the 2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer tops out at 26 MPG combined, so no year is better than another.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2002-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2003.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,510 a year. Across all 5 configurations the cost runs $2,510–$4,230 a year. That is a $1,720 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 100 miles?
About $16.73 per 100 miles for the Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $16.73 and $28.20 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD is rated 24 city and 30 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 6 MPG.
How does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer compare with other small car configurations?
The Lancer 1.6L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,510 a year to fuel, $980 less than the class median of $3,490, and less than 9 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 349 rated small car configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer different from the 2002 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 26 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,510. EPA lists 5 configurations for 2003 against 4 configurations for 2002. See the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer for that year.