35 MPG combined is a strong showing for the 2020 Mazda 2 1.5L, and for the target demographic, it’s arguably the single most important number associated with this engaging little hatchback. The Mazda 2 isn’t trying to be a performance car, nor does it boast class-leading cargo capacity or cutting-edge technology. It offers affordable, reliable, and economical transportation with a dash of Mazda’s signature driving verve.

City and highway performance

The EPA’s testing reveals 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. This split reflects the Mazda 2’s intended use case. The 32 MPG city figure is competitive within its class, proving that the 1.5L engine’s efficiency isn’t solely dependent on sustained cruising speeds. This shows the engine’s and the automatic transmission’s ability to manage stop-and-go traffic without a significant fuel penalty. The 40 MPG highway rating is a solid number for long commutes, and even though this isn’t a long-distance cruiser, the ability to stretch a tank on road trips is a welcome advantage. This car is designed to be fuel-efficient in an urban environment, something that most of its target buyers will definitely enjoy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,250 for the 2020 Mazda 2 1.5L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel prices at the time of testing. For buyers, fuel expenses should be fairly predictable. Of course, individual driving habits and fluctuations in fuel prices will influence the actual cost, but $1,250 provides a solid baseline for budgeting.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates offer a valuable baseline, real-world fuel economy always varies based on driving habits, terrain, and environmental conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and consistently exceeding posted speed limits will negatively impact fuel economy figures. A meticulously maintained Mazda 2, driven conservatively, and predominantly on flat or gently rolling roads, may even exceed the EPA’s 40 MPG highway estimate. Buyers who prioritize fuel economy and use techniques to conserve fuel will likely see results that meet or even beat the official MPG numbers. Review all Mazda fuel economy data to get a better picture of the brand overall.

How it compares

The subcompact car segment offers a few alternatives to the 2020 Mazda 2. The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan and Mirage hatchback are both known for their excellent fuel economy. The Mirage G4 delivers an EPA-estimated 37 MPG combined and is only available as a sedan, whereas the Mirage Hatchback delivers 39 MPG combined. While the Mirage undeniably saves fuel, it trades driving enjoyment compared to the Mazda 2. The Mirage is also very bare bones. A Nissan Versa offers a slightly larger cabin and more features, but the base S trim achieves 35 MPG combined with the manual transmission, while the versions with the automatic deliver a combined 32 MPG. The Toyota Yaris, briefly sold with nearly identical underpinnings to the Mazda 2, offered similar fuel economy, but it has since been discontinued, meaning customers won’t be able to buy one as new. Understanding these differences are critical for buyers who are trying to prioritize one vehicle over another.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration makes a big difference in the Mazda 2. The 1.5L engine is economical, but pushing it hard to merge onto freeways or accelerate quickly from stop lights burns extra fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and accelerate smoothly to minimize fuel consumption. This especially matters considering that the Mazda 2 doesn’t come with an abundance of power to begin with.

Tire pressure is important for optimal fuel economy. Check the tire pressure monthly and inflate tires to the pressure indicated on the tire placard located on the driver’s side doorjamb. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. This is especially true on smaller vehicles. The 2 MPG across all years should make it clear how much things can fluctuate.

Minimize the use of air conditioning whenever possible. The AC compressor places a significant load on the engine, reducing fuel economy. When the weather permits, use the ventilation system to circulate outside air or open the windows instead. When air conditioning is necessary, use it judiciously and set the temperature appropriately.

Avoid unnecessary cargo and weight inside the vehicle. The lighter the vehicle, the less energy it takes to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items from the trunk or back seat that are not essential to your daily driving. Even small weight reductions can contribute to improved fuel economy over time.

Consider using cruise control on highway drives. It helps maintain a consistent speed and minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Smooth, consistent speed is the key to achieving optimal highway fuel economy with the Mazda 2. It’s not a high-speed car, so stay within the recommended speed limit for the best results.