The 2020 Mazda 6 with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine gets 29 MPG combined, making it an efficient mid-size sedan, especially given its focus on driving enjoyment. Mazda appeals to drivers who appreciate a responsive engine, precise handling, and a stylish design qualities that aren’t always associated with great fuel economy. The MPG figure represents a balance of fun driving and not having to stop at the gas station too often, which appeals to its core fans.

City and highway performance

The 2020 Mazda 6 2.5L achieves 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. These numbers show the engine’s ability to adapt to various driving conditions. The city MPG is good for its class and benefits from the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that keeps the engine in its most efficient range. The highway MPG is even better, proving the Mazda 6 shines on longer trips. Its aerodynamic design and well-tuned engine result in low fuel consumption when cruising at consistent speeds. This makes it a comfortable and economical choice for daily commutes and weekend road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mazda 6 2.5L at $1,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a combination of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price. Your fuel costs will differ depending on how you drive and your local gas prices, but this is a helpful baseline. Aggressive driving, frequent idling, and premium fuel can all increase your annual fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard, but real-world fuel economy varies. The Mazda 6’s MPG changes based on several things. Drivers who accelerate hard and brake late will likely see lower fuel efficiency. Drivers who accelerate smoothly, predict traffic, and maintain consistent speeds can often match or exceed the EPA estimates. Regular maintenance, like proper tire inflation and timely oil changes, is also very important for getting good gas mileage. Knowing these variables will help you understand what kind of gas mileage to expect from your Mazda 6.

How it compares

The Mazda 6’s 29 MPG combined compares well to other cars in its class. The Toyota Camry with its base 2.5L engine gets 32 MPG combined, a little better. The Honda Accord matches the Camry at 32 MPG combined in its base LX trim. The Nissan Altima with its 2.5L engine also gets 32 MPG combined. However, these numbers might not be the only factor for those considering the Mazda 6. Mazda attracts those who value driving feel and design, which they may value more than slightly better gas mileage. Check out all Mazda fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Predict traffic to reduce braking and acceleration. Maintaining a steady speed improves fuel economy and makes driving more enjoyable. Using cruise control on the highway helps with this and reduces fuel consumption on long trips. Be careful of constantly changing hills, which can sometimes negate the benefits.

Make sure your tires have the correct air pressure as shown on the doorjamb sticker. Tires with low pressure create more resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the weather changes, as pressure changes with temperature. Using the correct tires for the Mazda 6 can help fuel economy.

Avoid idling longer than necessary. If you’re waiting for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently, making it more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine than to idle unnecessarily. This is important with the auto start/stop systems on newer cars, but limiting idle time always helps.

Remove extra weight from the car. Carrying unnecessary items makes the engine work harder, which lowers fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or backseat that aren’t needed. This is especially true for heavy items. Consider removing roof racks when they are not in use, which improves aerodynamics.

Consider using the information available regarding the 6 MPG across all years to help guide your purchasing decision. The Mazda 6 appeals to buyers who want a stylish, fun-to-drive, and fairly efficient mid-size sedan. It’s not the best on gas, but it’s a good value for those who enjoy driving and want reasonable gas mileage.