30 MPG combined is right in line with other compact cars. But for the 2018 Mazda 3 4-Door with the 2.5L engine, it indicates a focus on more than just fuel economy. This isn’t an economy car trying to squeeze out every last tenth of a mile per gallon. Instead, it’s a vehicle that emphasizes driving enjoyment, styling, and refinement unusual for its class. The 2.5L engine provides good power, and the smooth six-speed automatic (S6) gets the most out of it. The Mazda 3 is satisfying to drive whether you’re commuting or on twisty roads. Owners are okay with 30 MPG because they value the overall driving experience more than just saving money on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Mazda 3 4-Door 2.5L are 27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The 9 MPG difference between city and highway driving shows the engine’s efficiency at consistent speeds. Highway fuel economy is good, making the Mazda 3 a reasonable choice for longer trips. Urban drivers, who often deal with stop-and-go traffic, will see lower numbers. A larger engine needs more fuel to accelerate from a stop. Consider these ratings for your typical driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mazda 3 4-Door 2.5L at $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving and location. Someone who drives aggressively, spends more time in city traffic, or lives where gasoline is expensive will probably spend more than $1,450. On the other hand, a driver who mainly commutes on the highway and drives efficiently might spend less. Still, $1,450 gives you a good baseline.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standard, but real-world fuel economy varies. Owners of the 2018 Mazda 3 4-Door 2.5L often report numbers close to the EPA’s combined estimate, perhaps a little lower in very congested areas. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips with cold starts, and even tire pressure can affect fuel consumption. Older cars may have lower fuel economy as parts wear out. See all all Mazda fuel economy data on our website.

How it compares

The Honda Civic is a good comparison. The 2018 Civic sedan with the 1.5L turbocharged engine can get around 36 MPG combined. Some Hyundai Elantra Eco trims also get MPG in the high 30s. So, if mileage is a big concern, keep that in mind. A Toyota Corolla, known for reliability, gets about 32 MPG combined, similar to the base Mazda 3 engine. However, drivers who want better handling and a more responsive engine may be willing to accept slightly lower MPG from the Mazda 3. These shoppers are not purely looking at 3 MPG across all years but an overall balance of features for the money.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps save fuel in any car, especially the Mazda 3 2.5L. Avoid flooring the gas pedal and try to anticipate traffic to avoid hard braking and sudden acceleration. The engine uses more fuel when you quickly speed up or slow down.

Regular maintenance is critical. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance. Make sure your engine air filter is clean. If it is clogged, airflow will be restricted which lowers fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, so you do not need to waste gas while stopped.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps you maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. Pay attention to traffic and be ready to turn off cruise control when needed.