Mazda CX-5 4WD
26 MPG The 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2013–2026 run it averages 25.9 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 14 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 | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 MPG | 24 | 30 | $2400 | 339 | 1 |
| 2025 | 25.7 MPG | 23.7 | 28.7 | $2433 | 346 | 3 |
| 2024 | 25.7 MPG | 23.7 | 29 | $2433 | 346 | 3 |
| 2023 | 25 MPG | 23 | 28.5 | $2500 | 354 | 2 |
| 2022 | 25 MPG | 23 | 28.5 | $2500 | 354 | 2 |
| 2021 | 25 MPG | 23 | 28.5 | $2500 | 354 | 2 |
| 2020 | 25 MPG | 23 | 28.5 | $2500 | 353 | 2 |
| 2019 | 26 MPG | 24.3 | 29 | $2600 | 357 | 3 |
| 2018 | 27 MPG | 25.5 | 30 | $2600 | 350 | 2 |
| 2017 | 26 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2400 | 352 | 1 |
| 2016 | 26 MPG | 24 | 29 | $2400 | 340 | 1 |
| 2015 | 26.5 MPG | 24.5 | 29.5 | $2350 | 333 | 2 |
| 2014 | 26.5 MPG | 24.5 | 29.5 | $2350 | 332 | 2 |
| 2013 | 27 MPG | 25 | 30 | $2300 | 324 | 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 130 small sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Mazda CX-5 4WD ranks 39 on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Kona AWD (26.5), Buick Encore GX AWD (27), Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD (27), Ford Escape AWD (27), Kia Seltos AWD (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 339 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda CX-5 4WD get?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 30 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 25.9 MPG, ranging from 24 to 28 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda CX-5 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2400.
Has the Mazda CX-5 4WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 27 MPG in 2013 to 26 in 2026. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Mazda CX-5 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 39 of 130 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG. That is 3.2 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.