24 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but consider what the 2015 Mazda 5 2.5L 4-cyl is meant to do. It’s not a hyper-efficient hybrid; it’s a compact minivan, which is important. Buyers aren’t looking for Prius-like mileage; they want affordable practicality. This is a vehicle for people who need to haul kids, sports gear, and groceries, and want to do it without a large, expensive minivan or SUV.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Mazda 5 gets 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects how the engine is tuned and the five-speed automatic transmission’s gear ratios. The relatively low city MPG is typical of older automatics, which don’t have programming to get the best fuel consumption in stop-and-go driving. However, the highway figure is respectable, suggesting the 2.5L engine cruises efficiently at higher speeds. The five-speed automatic, while not new, works well with the engine’s powerband, allowing decent acceleration without using too much fuel on the open road.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mazda 5 2.5L at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. Your personal fuel costs will change based on how you drive, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and local fuel prices. If you mainly drive in the city, expect to spend more. If you drive fewer miles, or if fuel prices are lower where you live, you’ll spend less. $1,800 is a reasonable number to understand the annual fuel cost of this vehicle.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates give you a general idea, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Owners often report numbers within a few MPG of the official numbers, but driving style, traffic, and even tire inflation all matter. Driving fast and braking hard will lower fuel economy, as will driving in heavy traffic. Regular maintenance, like keeping tires inflated and making sure the engine runs well, can help keep fuel efficiency high. Don’t expect to always get 28 MPG in mixed driving; most drivers will likely get between 22 and 26 MPG. Check out 5 MPG across all years to see owner submitted data.

How it compares

The 2015 Mazda 5’s fuel economy is adequate compared to other small haulers from the same time. The Ford C-Max Hybrid, while not a minivan, got much better fuel economy, at 42 MPG combined. However, it cost more. The Kia Rondo, a similar vehicle, got around 24 MPG combined with its 2.4L engine, almost the same as the Mazda 5. A larger minivan, like the Honda Odyssey, got around 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine, even with its greater size and versatility. This shows the trade-off for more space and power. Understanding these trade-offs is important for the Mazda 5 buyer, who likely values its compact size, cargo space, and lower price more than ultimate fuel efficiency. Compare the Mazda 5 with all Mazda fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently. The 2.5L engine is responsive enough for everyday driving, but don’t floor it unless you need to. Accelerating smoothly will improve fuel economy, especially in cities.

Check and keep correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are always properly inflated.

Don’t idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. This is relevant in city driving, where you stop often.

Reduce weight. The more weight the Mazda 5 carries, the harder the engine works. Remove unnecessary items from the cargo area. Even small amounts help, especially on long trips.