Mazda 626/MX-6
21.5 MPG The 1992 Mazda 626/MX-6 is EPA-rated at 21.5 MPG combined (18.8 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 698 gallons, $2233 a year in fuel, or $0.149 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1988–1992 run it averages 21.5 MPG, essentially flat across 5 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 | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.140 | $1395 | $2093 | $2791 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.149 | $1488 | $2233 | $2977 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.163 | $1628 | $2442 | $3256 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.186 | $1860 | $2791 | $3721 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.209 | $2093 | $3140 | $4186 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.233 | $2326 | $3488 | $4651 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 21.5 MPG | 18.8 | 26 | $3288 | 416 | 4 |
| 1991 | 21.5 MPG | 18.8 | 26 | $3288 | 416 | 4 |
| 1990 | 21.5 MPG | 18.8 | 25.8 | $3288 | 416 | 4 |
| 1989 | 21.5 MPG | 18.8 | 26 | $3288 | 416 | 4 |
| 1988 | 21.5 MPG | 18.8 | 25.8 | $3288 | 416 | 4 |
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 626/MX-6 ranks 157 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Dodge Stratus (21.6), Audi A8 (22), Audi A8 quattro (22), Audi S6 (22), Audi S7 (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 416 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda 626/MX-6 get?
The 1992 Mazda 626/MX-6 is rated at 21.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 18.8 city and 26 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 21.5 MPG, ranging from 19 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda 626/MX-6 cost in fuel per year?
At 21.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 698 gallons — roughly $2233 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.149 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1992 model is $3288.
Has the Mazda 626/MX-6 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 21.5 MPG today against 21.5 in 1988 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mazda 626/MX-6 efficient for its class?
It ranks 157 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 5.7 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.