The 2017 Mazda 3 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl gets 31 MPG combined, which is a good balance of practicality, driving enjoyment, and fuel efficiency. It’s a hatchback that makes the daily drive more enjoyable. People who buy it want a car that is easy on the wallet and fun to drive.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Mazda 3 5-Door with the 2.0L engine and automatic transmission show different numbers for different types of driving. The city rating of 28 MPG is good, showing that the engine responds well, and the six-speed automatic works smoothly in stop-and-go traffic. The transmission shifts cleanly and predictably, helping to use less gas without slowing down acceleration. The highway rating of 37 MPG shows Mazda’s focus on efficient engineering. This number can be achieved when driving steadily, making the 3 comfortable and economical on long trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mazda 3 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl will be $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the type of gasoline you use. However, the $1,400 figure is a good way to compare the Mazda 3’s fuel expenses to other cars in its class. It’s an expense that budget-conscious buyers can appreciate.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates allow a standard comparison, real-world fuel economy can change. The Mazda 3 usually delivers the MPG that is promised, but things like aggressive driving, short trips, and heavy loads can all change how much gas you use. Owners who want good fuel efficiency and drive carefully will likely see numbers close to, or even a little better than, the EPA ratings. Those who often use the engine’s power may see lower numbers, but the experience will still be fun. Checking 3 MPG across all years can provide an idea of how the efficiency ages over time.

How it compares

In the compact hatchback class, the 2017 Mazda 3 5-Door compares well to others. The Honda Civic Hatchback, for example, gets about 34 MPG combined in its base trim, which is a little better than the Mazda. The Toyota Corolla iM (later renamed Corolla Hatchback) is similar. But the Mazda stands out because of how it drives. While some cars focus on fuel efficiency above everything else, the Mazda 3 still makes driving enjoyable. For buyers who want a sporty feel without giving up too much fuel economy, the 3 is a great choice. You may also wish to compare all Mazda fuel economy data for a bigger picture.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently and brake smoothly. The Mazda 3’s engine responds well, so you don’t need to press the gas hard to keep up with traffic. Avoiding hard acceleration from stop lights will save you fuel.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the numbers on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t idle the engine. Modern engines are efficient when running, but idling uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s usually better to turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a constant speed is important for saving fuel. Cruise control helps you avoid changing your speed too much, which makes driving smoother and more efficient. Using cruise control will help you better achieve the EPA-estimated highway MPG.

Follow the maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance will keep the engine running well. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and pollutes less.