Mazda RX-8
18.5 MPG The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is EPA-rated at 18.5 MPG combined (16 city / 22.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 811 gallons, $2595 a year in fuel, or $0.173 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2004–2011 run it averages 18.4 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 | $0.135 | $1351 | $2027 | $2703 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.162 | $1622 | $2432 | $3243 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.173 | $1730 | $2595 | $3459 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.189 | $1892 | $2838 | $3784 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.216 | $2162 | $3243 | $4324 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.243 | $2432 | $3649 | $4865 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.270 | $2703 | $4054 | $5405 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2010 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2009 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2008 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2007 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2006 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 2005 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2004 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
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 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Mazda RX-8 ranks 189 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Camaro (18.8), Bentley Continental GTC (19), BMW 650i Coupe (19), BMW 650i xDrive Convertible (19), BMW M3 (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 481 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda RX-8 get?
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is rated at 18.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 22.5 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 18.4 MPG, ranging from 18 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda RX-8 cost in fuel per year?
At 18.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 811 gallons — roughly $2595 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.173 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2011 model is $4175.
Has the Mazda RX-8 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18.5 MPG today against 18 in 2004 — essentially flat across 8 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mazda RX-8 efficient for its class?
It ranks 189 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 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.