Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD
27 MPG The 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD is EPA-rated at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 556 gallons, $1778 a year in fuel, or $0.119 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2019–2026 run it averages 27.1 MPG, essentially flat across 8 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 | $0.093 | $926 | $1389 | $1852 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.119 | $1185 | $1778 | $2370 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.130 | $1296 | $1944 | $2593 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.148 | $1481 | $2222 | $2963 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.185 | $1852 | $2778 | $3704 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 MPG | 24 | 32.5 | $2300 | 327 | 2 |
| 2025 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 32 | $2275 | 324 | 2 |
| 2024 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 32 | $2275 | 324 | 2 |
| 2023 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 32 | $2275 | 324 | 2 |
| 2022 | 26.5 MPG | 24 | 31 | $2350 | 332 | 2 |
| 2021 | 26.5 MPG | 24 | 31 | $2350 | 332 | 2 |
| 2020 | 27 MPG | 24 | 32 | $2300 | 328 | 1 |
| 2019 | 27 MPG | 24 | 32 | $2300 | 328 | 1 |
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 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD ranks 78 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Optima (27.3), Mazda 6 (27.5), MINI Cooper Clubman (27.5), Acura RLX Hybrid (28), Audi A6 (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 327 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD get?
The 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD is rated at 27 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 32.5 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 27.1 MPG, ranging from 26 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 27 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 556 gallons — roughly $1778 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.119 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2300.
Has the Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 27 MPG today against 27 in 2019 — essentially flat across 8 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 78 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 0.2 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.