Mazda MX-5
29 MPG The 2026 Mazda MX-5 is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34.5 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 2006–2026 run it averages 26.6 MPG, improving by 5.3 MPG over 21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2650 | 303 | 2 |
| 2025 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2650 | 303 | 2 |
| 2024 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2650 | 303 | 2 |
| 2023 | 29.5 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2600 | 302 | 2 |
| 2022 | 29.5 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2600 | 302 | 2 |
| 2021 | 29.5 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2600 | 302 | 2 |
| 2020 | 29.5 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2600 | 302 | 2 |
| 2019 | 29.5 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2600 | 302 | 2 |
| 2018 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2650 | 304 | 2 |
| 2017 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2650 | 303 | 2 |
| 2016 | 30 MPG | 26.5 | 35 | $2550 | 301 | 2 |
| 2015 | 23.7 MPG | 21.3 | 27 | $3250 | 369 | 3 |
| 2014 | 23.7 MPG | 21.3 | 27 | $3250 | 369 | 3 |
| 2013 | 23.7 MPG | 21.3 | 27 | $3250 | 369 | 3 |
| 2012 | 23.7 MPG | 21.3 | 27 | $3250 | 376 | 3 |
| 2011 | 23.7 MPG | 21.3 | 27 | $3250 | 376 | 3 |
| 2010 | 23.7 MPG | 21.3 | 28 | $3250 | 376 | 3 |
| 2009 | 23.7 MPG | 21.3 | 28 | $3250 | 376 | 3 |
| 2008 | 23.7 MPG | 21 | 27.3 | $3250 | 376 | 3 |
| 2007 | 23.7 MPG | 21 | 27.7 | $3250 | 376 | 3 |
| 2006 | 23.7 MPG | 21 | 27.7 | $3250 | 376 | 3 |
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 105 two seaters models tracked here, the Mazda MX-5 ranks 8 on current figures, against a class average of 21.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda CR-Z (34.5), smart fortwo cabriolet (34.5), smart fortwo coupe (34.5), Honda Civic CRX HF (41), Honda Insight (52).
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 MX-5 get?
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 is rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA — 26 city and 34.5 highway. Across all 21 model years in the database it averages 26.6 MPG, ranging from 23 to 30 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda MX-5 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 2026 model is $2650.
Has the Mazda MX-5 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 23.7 MPG in 2006 to 29 in 2026 — an improvement of 5.3 MPG, or 22% across 21 model years.
Is the Mazda MX-5 efficient for its class?
It ranks 8 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.3 MPG. That is 7.7 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.