The 2021 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD with the 2.5L engine gets 30 MPG combined, a nice balance of fuel efficiency and the sporty handling Mazda is known for. This isn’t a hybrid focused on maximum mileage, but a stylish and engaging compact sedan for drivers who want good performance without spending too much on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. These numbers are from the 2.5L four-cylinder engine with the smooth six-speed automatic transmission (S6). City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic, naturally uses more fuel. The highway number shows the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at consistent speeds. Mazda tuned this powertrain for responsive acceleration around town and relaxed, fuel-sipping performance on longer trips. The 35 MPG highway figure is attractive and makes this a comfortable and relatively economical car for road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2021 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl will cost about $1,450 per year for fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and on national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs could be different depending on your driving, the type of fuel you buy, and local prices. However, the $1,450 is a good number to compare the car’s fuel efficiency and include it in your total cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a guide, but real-world fuel economy will vary. Drivers who accelerate quickly will likely see lower MPG, especially in the city. However, those who drive to save fuel and spend more time on the highway can expect to match or exceed the EPA estimates. The 2021 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl rewards a smooth and careful driving style with better fuel economy. Quick acceleration and frequent hard braking will decrease its efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to similar cars, the 2021 Mazda 3 has a good balance. The Honda Civic Sedan, a popular car in the compact class, gets 30 MPG combined with its 1.5T engine and CVT in the EX trim. The Toyota Corolla, known for being reliable and fuel efficient, gets about 33 MPG combined in its LE trim. The Hyundai Elantra, with its new styling and technology, also gets 33 MPG combined in its SE trim. The Mazda 3’s 30 MPG combined will not win any fuel economy awards, but Mazda focuses on making the car fun to drive. The slightly lower fuel economy is a trade-off buyers are willing to make for better handling, a responsive engine, and a nice interior. Owners can review all Mazda fuel economy data to see where the 3 stacks up in the automaker’s range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive gently and keep a consistent speed to improve fuel economy in the Mazda 3. The car’s throttle reacts quickly, but avoid accelerating hard from stops. Slowly pressing the accelerator helps the car manage fuel better, especially in city driving.

Regular maintenance, like checking tire pressure and changing the oil, is important. Tires with low pressure increase resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Following the oil change schedule keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Don’t idle for too long, especially to warm up the car. Modern engines warm up quickly while driving, so idling is not needed and wastes fuel. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, it’s better to turn off the engine.

Use cruise control carefully on the highway. It can help keep a consistent speed and improve fuel economy, but don’t use it on hills. The transmission will often downshift to maintain speed uphill, which uses more fuel. Consider using the manual shift mode on the automatic transmission to prepare for hills and keep the engine at its best efficiency manually.

Consider the weight you’re carrying. Extra weight in the car forces the engine to work harder, reducing fuel economy. Remove items from the trunk or backseat to reduce the weight. Even small reductions in weight can help improve efficiency. Comparing the 3 MPG across all years shows small improvements from engineering changes and powertrain tweaks.