- SUVs
- MY2003
Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs of 2003
The most efficient 2003 SUV is the Toyota RAV4 (2.0 L · FWD) at 24 MPG combined, 7 MPG above the median SUV (17 MPG) among the 65 SUVs ranked. The Toyota RAV4 costs about $2,720 a year to fuel, $1,360 less than the median SUV ($4,080).
The top 10 run from 24 MPG to 21 MPG. Each model is listed once, with its best qualifying configuration named in the row; models with the same displayed value share a rank.
Best combined
24MPG
Toyota RAV4
Median model
17MPG
65 models
Top-10 median
22MPG
Models ranked
65
one row per model
Full ranking
Showing the top 50 of 65 models. Every column is sortable.
| 1 |  | 24 | 22 | 28 | $2,720 | +7 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 20 | 24 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 19 | 26 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 20 | 25 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 20 | 26 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 20 | 25 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 19 | 26 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 20 | 24 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 2 |  | 22 | 19 | 25 | $2,970 | +5 |
| 10 |  | 21 | 20 | 24 | $3,110 | +4 |
| 10 |  | 21 | 18 | 24 | $3,110 | +4 |
| 10 |  | 21 | 19 | 24 | $3,110 | +4 |
| 13 |  | 20 | 17 | 24 | $3,270 | +3 |
| 13 |  | 20 | 18 | 25 | $3,270 | +3 |
| 13 |  | 20 | 18 | 23 | $3,270 | +3 |
| 13 |  | 20 | 17 | 24 | $3,270 | +3 |
| 13 | | 20 | 18 | 24 | $3,270 | +3 |
| 18 |  | 19 | 18 | 22 | $3,440 | +2 |
| 18 |  | 19 | 17 | 22 | $3,440 | +2 |
| 18 |  | 19 | 17 | 22 | $3,440 | +2 |
| 18 |  | 19 | 16 | 23 | $4,230 | +2 |
| 22 |  | 18 | 16 | 21 | $3,630 | +1 |
| 22 |  | 18 | 16 | 21 | $3,630 | +1 |
| 22 |  | 18 | 17 | 19 | $3,630 | +1 |
| 22 |  | 18 | 16 | 20 | $3,630 | +1 |
| 22 |  | 18 | 16 | 22 | $4,460 | +1 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 15 | 21 | $3,840 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 15 | 20 | $3,840 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 15 | 21 | $3,840 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 15 | 21 | $3,840 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 15 | 22 | $3,840 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 16 | 18 | $3,840 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 15 | 19 | $3,840 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 15 | 21 | $4,730 | 0 |
| 27 |  | 17 | 14 | 21 | $4,730 | 0 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 20 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 20 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 19 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 19 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 15 | 19 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 19 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 19 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 19 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 20 | $4,080 | −1 |
| 36 |  | 16 | 14 | 19 | $5,020 | −1 |
| 46 |  | 15 | 13 | 17 | $4,360 | −2 |
| 46 |  | 15 | 13 | 18 | $4,360 | −2 |
| 46 |  | 15 | 13 | 17 | $4,360 | −2 |
| 46 |  | 15 | 14 | 18 | $4,360 | −2 |
| 46 |  | 15 | 14 | 17 | $4,360 | −2 |
How this list is built
Every line below is read from the list definition that produced the table.
- Classes: Small SUVs, Standard SUVs.
- Powertrains: Gas, Hybrid, Diesel.
- Ranked by EPA combined MPG, highest first.
- One row per model (make and model): the configuration that ranks best in this list is shown, with its trim, engine and drive named in the row.
- Ties are decided on the displayed value (whole MPG or miles, kWh per 100 miles to one decimal, cost rounded to $10): tied models share a rank, then are ordered by a tie-breaker and by name.
- Special-purpose vehicles, such as heavy-duty variants, are excluded.
- Electric vehicles are ranked separately (see the EV rankings): gas, hybrid and diesel MPG is never mixed with MPGe.
- Annual cost assumes 15,000 miles a year at the EPA rating and the dated national fuel prices stamped below; it is rounded to $10 and all differences use the rounded values.
- Model years MY2000 to MY2027; a year is listed only when at least 10 models qualify.
Data and period
- EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026
- Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. average, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh)
- 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway
Frequently asked questions
Which 2003 SUV gets the best gas mileage?
The most efficient 2003 SUV is the Toyota RAV4 (2.0 L · FWD) at 24 MPG combined, 7 MPG above the median SUV (17 MPG) among the 65 SUVs ranked. The Toyota RAV4 costs about $2,720 a year to fuel, $1,360 less than the median SUV ($4,080).
How much does the Toyota RAV4 cost to fuel per year?
About $2,720 a year at 15,000 miles a year, using the prices stamped at the bottom of this page. The median SUV in this list costs $4,080 a year.
How many SUVs are ranked for 2003?
65 models qualify, one row each. The median is 17 MPG, and the top 10 run from 24 MPG to 21 MPG.
How are ties, trims and drivetrains handled?
Each model appears once, with the configuration that ranks best in this list; its trim, engine and drive are named in the row. Models with the same displayed value share a rank (1, 2, 2, 4) and are then ordered by a tie-breaker and by name. See the methodology.
Are electric cars and plug-in hybrids included?
Not in this list. MPG rankings cover gas, hybrid and diesel models only. Electric cars are ranked in EV range and EV efficiency, and plug-in hybrids in electric range.
What does combined MPG mean?
EPA's combined rating blends 55% city and 45% highway driving. It comes from standardized laboratory tests, so your results will differ with driving style, weather and load. See the methodology.