The 2018 Mazda CX-5 2WD 2.5L’s 28 MPG combined rating is appealing for many compact crossover shoppers. It’s not a hybrid or a hyper-efficient subcompact, instead it balances style, features, and driving enjoyment. It’s meant for people who value more than just maximum MPG. Buyers are often willing to accept this figure because the CX-5 offers a driving experience and styling that many competitors lack. For some, that’s worth the MPG trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 CX-5 2WD 2.5L gets 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number is important because this vehicle is often used for short trips, school runs, and errands, which can hurt fuel economy. 25 MPG city is a respectable result in these conditions, and the 31 MPG highway rating suggests economical road trips. Consistent highway driving allows the CX-5’s engine to operate efficiently, helped by its smooth six-speed automatic transmission, which is programmed to shift into higher gears to improve fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 2WD 2.5L at $1,550. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. What drivers actually pay may be more or less depending on how they drive and fuel prices in their area.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful guide, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Factors like driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure can affect MPG. Hard acceleration and braking will reduce fuel economy, as will long periods of idling in traffic. Owners who have reported their results online indicate that achieving the EPA combined rating is possible with efficient driving. Expect numbers closer to the city rating during heavy city driving. See CX 5 MPG across all years for a broader look at owner-reported data.

How it compares

The CX-5’s fuel economy compares well to its competition. For example, the Toyota RAV4 LE gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined (23 city/30 highway). The Honda CR-V LX gets slightly better fuel economy at 28 MPG combined (26 city/32 highway), a bit better than the CX-5. However, the Subaru Forester 2.5i offers a near identical 26 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway), and the Nissan Rogue S achieves 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway). These small differences are often insignificant given the overall cost of ownership. Buyers of these vehicles often prioritize style, features, and driving dynamics, areas where the CX-5 often excels, over the highest possible MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate smoothly and steadily to get the best fuel economy in the CX-5. Avoid quick starts and unnecessary bursts of speed, since these use more fuel. Watch the traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed when you can.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce extra weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Remove items you don’t need to carry daily.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute to save fuel. Idling burns fuel unnecessarily, especially in city traffic.

When safe, use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy on longer trips, but be sure that conditions are safe for its use.

For all Mazda fuel economy data, check out the rest of our site.