31 MPG combined is a respectable figure for the 2019 Mazda CX-3 2WD 2.0L 4-cyl, and it’s a crucial selling point for this subcompact crossover. No one buys a CX-3 expecting a large cargo area like a bigger SUV, or the reliable off-road ability of a truck. This vehicle is for urban drivers and empty-nesters who want nimble handling, stylish design, and solid fuel economy above all else. That “31 MPG” figure is what Mazda advertises, and for good reason.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down that 31 MPG combined rating into 29 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The city figure highlights how easy the CX-3 is to drive every day. Its small size and responsive steering make driving in congested streets easy, and the engine’s stop/start system helps save fuel during long red lights. On the open road, 34 MPG is good enough for comfortable and economical long trips. The 2.0L engine, with its six-speed automatic transmission, provides enough power for merging and passing, while still getting good gas mileage. It’s a good compromise for many CX-3 buyers, even if fast acceleration isn’t what the car is known for.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mazda CX-3 2WD 2.0L 4-cyl is $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. How accurate this number is for you depends on how you drive and what gas prices are where you live.

If you drive mostly in the city and drive more than 15,000 miles per year, expect to spend more. If you don’t drive much and live where gas is cheap, your fuel costs will probably be lower. $1,400 is still a useful benchmark to compare the CX-3’s running costs against other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s numbers are a standard, but real-world fuel economy can change. How you drive, traffic, terrain, and even tire pressure can all change your mileage. Driving fast, braking hard often, and speeding will all lower fuel efficiency.

Driving in hilly areas or carrying heavy loads puts more strain on the engine, using more gas. Keeping tires inflated, using cruise control on the highway, and predicting traffic can help you get closer to the EPA’s numbers. Check CX 3 MPG across all years for a broader view.

How it compares

The CX-3 is in a popular class, and fuel economy often helps buyers decide. The Honda HR-V, for example, gets 28 MPG combined in its front-wheel-drive version. The Nissan Kicks, a direct competitor, stands out with a combined EPA rating of 33 MPG. A Kia Soul gets 30 MPG combined.

Those extra miles per gallon in the Kicks might make buyers who want good fuel economy choose it, but the CX-3’s driving experience and overall quality often make up for its slightly lower numbers. The CX-3 is more fun to drive than many of its rivals, trading some fuel economy for better handling and a more premium feel. Be sure to check all Mazda fuel economy data for specific details.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L engine in the CX-3 works best with smooth acceleration. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to keep a steady pace, especially in city driving, to save fuel. The Skyactiv-G engine is made for efficiency, but driving hard cancels out the benefits.

Use the CX-3’s cruise control system on the highway. Keeping a steady speed not only improves gas mileage but also makes long trips easier. Remember to change your speed according to traffic and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air, which is listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires with too little air increase rolling resistance, using more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Don’t let the car idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The CX-3’s automatic stop/start system helps with this in city driving, but you can also manually turn off the engine when you can, like waiting in a long drive-thru line.

Take out extra weight in the car. Extra cargo puts strain on the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove things you don’t need, like sports equipment or luggage, to make the car lighter.