Mazda 3
25.8 MPG The 2013 Mazda 3 is EPA-rated at 25.8 MPG combined (22.8 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 581 gallons, $1860 a year in fuel, or $0.124 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2004–2013 run it averages 25.5 MPG, essentially flat across 10 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.097 | $969 | $1453 | $1938 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.124 | $1240 | $1860 | $2481 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.136 | $1357 | $2035 | $2713 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.155 | $1550 | $2326 | $3101 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.174 | $1744 | $2616 | $3488 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.194 | $1938 | $2907 | $3876 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25.8 MPG | 22.8 | 30 | $2425 | 343 | 4 |
| 2012 | 25.8 MPG | 22.8 | 30 | $2425 | 347 | 4 |
| 2011 | 25.8 MPG | 22.8 | 30 | $2425 | 347 | 4 |
| 2010 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2400 | 343 | 4 |
| 2009 | 25.3 MPG | 22.5 | 29.8 | $2475 | 353 | 4 |
| 2008 | 25.5 MPG | 22.8 | 30.3 | $2450 | 349 | 4 |
| 2007 | 24.6 MPG | 21.8 | 29.6 | $2690 | 364 | 5 |
| 2006 | 25.5 MPG | 22.8 | 30 | $2450 | 349 | 4 |
| 2005 | 25.3 MPG | 22.5 | 29.5 | $2475 | 353 | 4 |
| 2004 | 25.4 MPG | 22.4 | 29.8 | $2460 | 351 | 5 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Mazda 3 ranks 83 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 328i xDrive (26), Ford Escort (26), BMW 328i (26.5), Mazda 323 (26.5), Mercury Tracer (26.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 343 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda 3 get?
The 2013 Mazda 3 is rated at 25.8 MPG combined by the EPA — 22.8 city and 30 highway. Across all 10 model years in the database it averages 25.5 MPG, ranging from 21 to 28 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda 3 cost in fuel per year?
At 25.8 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 581 gallons — roughly $1860 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.124 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2013 model is $2425.
Has the Mazda 3 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 25.8 MPG today against 25.4 in 2004 — essentially flat across 10 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mazda 3 efficient for its class?
It ranks 83 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 0.8 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.