27 MPG combined might not seem spectacular, but think about what this car is: the 2021 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD with the 2.5L engine. It’s a sporty hatchback that focuses on driving enjoyment and all-weather confidence more than saving fuel. It’s a car for people who like a well-tuned suspension and a responsive engine, even if it means using a bit more gas. This isn’t for hypermilers; it’s for the enthusiast who needs a practical vehicle.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD 2.5L are 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number shows what happens in stop-and-go traffic where the engine works harder, especially with the added weight and drivetrain loss from the all-wheel-drive system. The 31 MPG highway number is respectable and shows the engine’s efficiency when cruising at consistent speeds. The highway MPG is close to the combined number because Mazda 3 owners accept that engaging driving dynamics are worth a small price in fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Mazda 3 configuration at $1,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the fuel type you use. If you mostly drive in the city or accelerate quickly, expect to exceed this estimate. If you drive mostly on the highway and drive efficiently, you might beat $1,600 per year.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standard, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Some drivers report slightly lower numbers, especially in mixed driving. Aggressive acceleration, carrying extra weight, and using the air conditioning all affect fuel consumption. Some drivers report matching or exceeding the EPA estimates with careful driving. Online forums and fuel tracking apps can give you a more accurate idea of what to expect in your driving.

Consider browsing 3 MPG across all years for owner-reported data.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2021 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD 2.5L is in the middle for fuel economy. The Honda Civic Hatchback with its standard 1.5L turbo engine gets around 31 MPG combined, which is better. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback also gets similar numbers. Other AWD hatchbacks like the Subaru Impreza offer similar or slightly better combined fuel economy. These vehicles don’t offer the same driving refinement as the Mazda 3. These comparisons show the trade-off buyers make: fuel efficiency versus driving dynamics. Many buyers find the Mazda 3’s driving experience and premium interior worth the trade-off in MPG.

For those interested in exploring the broader Mazda lineup, you can find all Mazda fuel economy data collected on the FuelEconomyHub in one place.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Mazda 3’s responsive engine can be tempting, but smooth acceleration will improve fuel economy. Watch traffic and avoid sudden stops.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly. Idling wastes fuel and creates emissions.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Avoid using cruise control in hilly areas, as the engine may work harder.

When it’s time for new tires, consider lighter-weight, low-rolling-resistance tires. Tires significantly impact efficiency. Low rolling resistance can add MPG without hurting handling.