Mazda CX-3 4WD
29 MPG The 2021 Mazda CX-3 4WD is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 32 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 517 gallons, $1655 a year in fuel, or $0.110 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2016–2021 run it averages 29 MPG, essentially flat across 6 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 | $0.086 | $862 | $1293 | $1724 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.103 | $1034 | $1552 | $2069 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.110 | $1103 | $1655 | $2207 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.121 | $1207 | $1810 | $2414 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.138 | $1379 | $2069 | $2759 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.155 | $1552 | $2328 | $3103 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.172 | $1724 | $2586 | $3448 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 29 MPG | 27 | 32 | $2150 | 303 | 1 |
| 2020 | 29 MPG | 27 | 32 | $2150 | 303 | 1 |
| 2019 | 29 MPG | 27 | 32 | $2150 | 303 | 1 |
| 2018 | 29 MPG | 27 | 32 | $2150 | 308 | 1 |
| 2017 | 29 MPG | 27 | 32 | $2150 | 308 | 1 |
| 2016 | 29 MPG | 27 | 32 | $2150 | 308 | 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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Mazda CX-3 4WD ranks 43 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Prizm (29.3), Ford Focus FWD FFV (29.3), Hyundai Veloster (29.3), Audi A4 (30), BMW 330i (30).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 303 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda CX-3 4WD get?
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 4WD is rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA — 27 city and 32 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 29 MPG, ranging from 29 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda CX-3 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 29 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 517 gallons — roughly $1655 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.110 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2021 model is $2150.
Has the Mazda CX-3 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 29 MPG today against 29 in 2016 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mazda CX-3 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 43 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 2.4 better 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.