The 2022 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD with the 2.5L engine gets 30 MPG combined, a figure that shows priorities. It’s not just an economy car made only for fuel savings; it’s a stylish and fun-to-drive compact sedan that balances driving enjoyment with reasonable running costs. People who buy the Mazda 3 are okay with not having the absolute best fuel economy because they want responsive handling, good power, and a nice interior for the price.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Mazda 3 are 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. These numbers show how the car performs in different driving conditions. The 2.5L engine has enough torque for good acceleration in cities, so you don’t have to push the gas pedal hard to keep up with traffic, which saves gas. On the highway, the smooth six-speed automatic transmission lets the engine cruise easily, saving gas on longer trips. It’s good for commutes and weekend trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD 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 change based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Still, $1,450 is a good number to use when figuring out your ownership costs. Drivers with longer commutes or stop-and-go traffic might spend more, while those who mainly drive on the highway might see lower annual costs. Always compare the $1,450 figure to other vehicles to understand the costs of ownership.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates give you a starting point, but real-world fuel economy is often different. Many Mazda 3 owners say they get numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on longer trips. However, driving hard, taking lots of short trips, and not doing regular maintenance can all hurt fuel efficiency. To get the best fuel economy in the Mazda 3, drive smoothly and consistently. Watch the road and avoid quick acceleration and braking.

How it compares

In the compact sedan group, the Mazda 3’s fuel economy is about average. The Honda Civic, which often gets good fuel economy, gets up to 42 MPG highway in its most efficient versions, while still being fun to drive. The Toyota Corolla, another popular car, gets up to 40 MPG highway in its LE version. Some cars, like the Hyundai Elantra N, have a powerful engine and sporty handling, but get lower fuel economy because they focus on performance. See all Mazda fuel economy data. For people who want good driving and a nicer interior, the Mazda 3 is a good choice, even if the gas mileage isn’t the best. Remember that 3 MPG across all years is just one thing to think about.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Check your tire pressure often. Tires that don’t have enough air increase rolling resistance, which greatly reduces fuel economy. Check the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the right tire pressure for your Mazda 3. Use a good tire pressure gauge and check your tires at least once a month, and before long trips.

Avoid driving aggressively. Quick acceleration and hard braking use a lot of gas. Accelerate smoothly and slowly, and watch traffic so you don’t have to stop suddenly. The Mazda 3’s responsive steering can also create a more efficient driving style, because it makes it easier to move through traffic.

Take out extra weight. Extra stuff in your trunk or backseat adds weight to the car, which reduces fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need, like sports equipment or tools if you aren’t using them on the current trip. Remember, every pound matters.

Service your car regularly. An engine that is well-maintained runs better. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, including changing the oil, replacing the air filter, and replacing the spark plugs. An engine that is tuned properly will give you the best fuel economy and performance.

Think about using cruise control on the highway. Keeping a steady speed can help improve fuel economy, especially on long, flat roads. Cruise control reduces speed changes, giving you better gas mileage. Be sure to turn off cruise control in heavy traffic or on bad roads.