Mazda Speed 3
21 MPG The 2013 Mazda Speed 3 is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2008–2013 run it averages 20.7 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 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 | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3650 | 429 | 1 |
| 2012 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 1 |
| 2011 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 1 |
| 2010 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 1 |
| 2009 | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2008 | 20 MPG | 18 | 26 | $3850 | 444 | 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 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Mazda Speed 3 ranks 167 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Lacrosse/Allure (21.3), Chevrolet Celebrity (21.3), Chrysler Sebring 4 Door (21.3), Dodge 600 (21.3), Dodge Stratus 4 Door (21.3).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 429 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mazda Speed 3 get?
The 2013 Mazda Speed 3 is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 25 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 20.7 MPG, ranging from 20 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mazda Speed 3 cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2013 model is $3650.
Has the Mazda Speed 3 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 2008 to 21 in 2013 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 5% across 6 model years.
Is the Mazda Speed 3 efficient for its class?
It ranks 167 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 6.2 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.