- Newest year: 2003
- Hybrid
- Small cars
- Same as 2002
2001-2003 Toyota Prius MPG & Fuel Cost
3 model years · 41 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 10 of 10 small car configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2001-2003 Toyota Prius at a glance
The 2001-2003 Toyota Prius covers 3 model years in the EPA database (3 configurations in all), rated 41 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2003, costs about $1,590 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD (41 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA lists identical ratings for every model year of this generation.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2001-2003 Toyota Prius by model year
What the 2003 Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$133
$1,590 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$2.65
Per 100 miles
$10.60
Five years
$7,950
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$1,900less 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 Toyota Prius MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2003 Toyota Prius as for the 2002 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2002 section above.See 2002
Hybrid configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius (Most efficient) | 1.5L 4-cyl | FWD | 42 | 41 | 41 | $1,590 |
2002 Toyota Prius MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2001
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2002 Toyota Prius as for the 2001 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2001 section above.See 2001
2001 Toyota Prius MPG
41 MPG · $1,590/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Hybrid configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius (Most efficient) | 1.5L 4-cyl | FWD | 42 | 41 | 41 | $1,590 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD: $2,170 in California and $1,390 in Texas, a $780 difference.
- California $2,170
- Washington $2,010
- New York $1,590
- Florida $1,510
- Texas $1,390
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 small car models.
Generations
- 2001-2003 (XW10)
- 2004-2009 (XW20)
- 2010-2015 (XW30)
- 2016-2022 (XW50)
- 2023-2027* (XW60)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2001-2003 Toyota Prius get?
EPA rates the 2001-2003 Toyota Prius at 41 MPG combined across 3 configurations and 3 model years. The most efficient version, the 2003 Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 41 MPG (42 city, 41 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2001-2003 Toyota Prius?
Every model year of the 2001-2003 Toyota Prius tops out at 41 MPG combined, so no year is better than another.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2001-2003 Toyota Prius?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for every model year from 2001 to 2003.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Toyota Prius per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD costs about $1,590 a year. Across all 1 configuration the cost runs $1,590 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Toyota Prius 100 miles?
About $10.60 per 100 miles for the Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Toyota Prius more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD is rated 42 city and 41 highway MPG, so it is more efficient in city driving, by 1 MPG.
How does the 2003 Toyota Prius compare with other small car configurations?
The Prius 1.5L 4-cyl FWD costs about $1,590 a year to fuel, $1,900 less than the class median of $3,490, and less than 10 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 349 rated small car configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Toyota Prius different from the 2002 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2002 and 2003: 1 configuration rated 41 MPG combined. See the 2002 Toyota Prius for that year.