# Mazda 3 specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2026
- **MPG (combined):** 26-30
- **Drive:** 4WD, FWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2026

## Quick answer

The 2026 Mazda 3 is a midsize car rated at 26-30 mpg combined. Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo.

## Every 2026 Mazda 3 version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 3 4-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | Automatic | 27/36 | 30 mpg | $2,250 | 294 g/mi |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | Automatic | 26/34 | 29 mpg | $2,300 | 306 g/mi |
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | Automatic | 26/34 | 29 mpg | $2,300 | 302 g/mi |
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | Manual | 25/34 | 28 mpg | $2,400 | 314 g/mi |
| 3 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | Automatic | 25/34 | 28 mpg | $2,400 | 317 g/mi |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | Automatic | 23/32 | 27 mpg | $2,500 | 334 g/mi |
| 3 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | Automatic | 23/31 | 26 mpg | $2,600 | 337 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Mazda 3 specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, FWD | 26-30 |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, FWD | 26-31 |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual, Automatic | 4WD, FWD | 26-31 |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo; 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic | 4WD, FWD | 26-31 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, FWD | 26-31 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, FWD | 26-31 |
| 2020 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, FWD | 27-30 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, FWD | 27-30 |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic | FWD | 28-32 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic | FWD | 28-32 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic | FWD | 29-33 |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual, Automatic | FWD | 29-33 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the 3 changed over the years?

- **2026:** combined mpg went from 26-31 to 26-30.
- **2024:** dropped 2.0L 4-cyl.
- **2021:** added 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo.
- **2019:** dropped 2.0L 4-cyl; 4WD became available.
- **2017:** combined mpg went from 29-33 to 28-32.

## What does it cost to run a 3?

The EPA puts the 2026 Mazda 3's fuel cost at **$2,250-$2,600 a year**, against about $2,478 for other current midsize car: about average. Over five years at 15,000 miles a year that is about $12,125 in fuel.

## 3 vs rivals

| Model | Powertrains | Fuel economy | Range | Fuel cost / year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Toyota Prius](/vehicles/toyota-prius) | Hybrid | 48-57 mpg | -- | $1,200-$1,400 |
| [Hyundai Elantra](/vehicles/hyundai-elantra) | Gas, Hybrid | 23-54 mpg | -- | $1,250-$3,550 |
| [Toyota Camry](/vehicles/toyota-camry) | Hybrid | 43-51 mpg | -- | $1,300-$1,550 |
| [Honda Civic](/vehicles/honda-civic) | Gas, Hybrid | 24-49 mpg | -- | $1,350-$3,400 |
| [Honda Accord](/vehicles/honda-accord) | Gas, Hybrid | 31-48 mpg | -- | $1,400-$2,150 |
| [Lexus ES](/vehicles/lexus-es) | Electric, Hybrid | 44-46 mpg | 307 mi | $600-$1,850 |
| [Toyota Crown](/vehicles/toyota-crown) | Hybrid | 30-41 mpg | -- | $1,650-$2,250 |
| [Nissan Sentra](/vehicles/nissan-sentra) | Gas | 32-33 mpg | -- | $2,050-$2,100 |

Other current midsize car from other makes, most efficient first.

## Mazda 3 problems owners report most

| System (NHTSA category) | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Electrical System | 130 |
| Service Brakes | 79 |
| Engine | 65 |
| Back Over Prevention | 52 |
| Power Train | 44 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 44 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 44 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 40 |

From 634 complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015-2026 models. Most-complained-about model year: **2015**.

## Guides for common Mazda 3 problems

- **Electrical** (130 complaints): [Why does my car battery keep dying](/symptoms/car-battery-keeps-dying) - [Why are my headlights flickering](/symptoms/headlights-flickering) - [Why won't my car start](/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [alternator replacement cost](/cost/alternator-replacement) - [car battery replacement cost](/cost/car-battery-replacement) - [starter replacement cost](/cost/starter-replacement)
- **Brake** (79 complaints): [Why are my brakes squeaking](/symptoms/squeaky-brakes) - [Why do my brakes make a grinding noise](/symptoms/brake-grinding-noise) - [Why does my brake pedal go to the floor](/symptoms/brake-pedal-goes-to-floor) - [brake pad replacement cost](/cost/brake-pad-replacement) - [brake rotor replacement cost](/cost/brake-rotor-replacement) - [brake caliper replacement cost](/cost/brake-caliper-replacement)
- **Engine** (65 complaints): [Why is my car idling rough](/symptoms/rough-idle) - [Why is my engine knocking](/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) - [Why is my car leaking oil](/symptoms/car-leaking-oil) - [engine replacement cost](/cost/engine-replacement) - [timing chain replacement cost](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) - [valve cover gasket replacement cost](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement)
- **Transmission and drivetrain** (44 complaints): [Why is my transmission slipping](/symptoms/transmission-slipping) - [Why won't my car go into gear](/symptoms/car-wont-go-into-gear) - [Why does my car jerk when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-jerks-when-accelerating) - [transmission replacement cost](/cost/transmission-replacement) - [transmission fluid change cost](/cost/transmission-fluid-change) - [clutch replacement cost](/cost/clutch-replacement)

## Mazda 3 warning lights

- [3: Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine/mazda-3): 26 complaints
- [3: Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake/mazda-3): 22 complaints
- [3: Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag/mazda-3): 13 complaints
- [3: Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure/mazda-3): 10 complaints
- [3: Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/mazda-3): 6 complaints

## Mazda 3 recalls (19)

| Campaign | Model years | Component | Reported |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [25V357000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V357000) | 2024-2025 | Air Bags:  Air Bag/Restraint Control Module | 2025-05-29 |
| [24V649000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V649000) | 2024 | Lane Departure:  Sensing System | 2024-09-03 |
| [23V718000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V718000) | 2024 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2023-10-26 |
| [23V487000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V487000) | 2015-2018 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2023-07-14 |
| [21V875000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V875000) | 2018 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery | 2021-11-12 |
| [21V101000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V101000) | 2021 | Tires: Valve | 2021-02-22 |
| [20V346000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V346000) | 2020 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components | 2020-06-12 |
| [19V907000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V907000) | 2019-2020 | Forward Collision Avoidance:  Automatic Emergency Braking | 2019-12-19 |
| [19V558000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V558000) | 2019 | Visibility: Glass, Side/Rear | 2019-07-29 |
| [19V514000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V514000) | 2019 | Seats: Front Assembly | 2019-07-05 |
| [19V497000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V497000) | 2019 | Engine | 2019-06-27 |
| [19V425000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V425000) | 2019 | Wheels: Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 2019-06-07 |
| [19V363000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V363000) | 2019 | Electrical System:  Instrument Cluster/Panel | 2019-05-14 |
| [19V272000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V272000) | 2016-2018 | Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer | 2019-04-04 |
| [17V745000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V745000) | 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System | 2017-11-21 |
| [17V393000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V393000) | 2015-2016 | Parking Brake | 2017-06-22 |
| [16V685000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V685000) | 2016 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage | 2016-09-23 |
| [16V684000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V684000) | 2015-2016 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage | 2016-09-22 |
| [15V621000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V621000) | 2015-2016 | Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage | 2015-10-02 |

Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer. Check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Data as of 2026-11-04.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2026 Mazda 3 get?

The 2026 Mazda 3 is EPA-rated at 26-30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2026 Mazda 3 have?

The 2026 Mazda 3 comes with: 2.5L 4-cyl; 2.5L 4-cyl turbo. It uses automatic, manual transmissions and is offered with 4WD and FWD.

### Is there a hybrid Mazda 3?

No. In the EPA data from 2015-2026 the Mazda 3 has no hybrid version.

### Which Mazda 3 year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2016 Mazda 3 has the highest combined rating, up to 33 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2026 Mazda 3 for a year?

About $2,250-$2,600 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2026 Mazda 3?

The most efficient 2026 version, the 3 4-Door 2WD, is rated 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (30 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2026 Mazda 3 emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 294-337 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### Does the 2026 Mazda 3 come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2026 Mazda 3 is offered with 4WD and FWD. All- or four-wheel drive usually costs 1-3 mpg compared with the two-wheel-drive version of the same engine, as the versions table shows.

### Is the Mazda 3 cheap to run compared with other midsize cars?

About average: its EPA annual fuel cost of $2,250-$2,600 compares with about $2,478 for other current midsize car models. Fuel is only part of running costs; insurance, tires and repairs also differ.

### How many recalls does the Mazda 3 have?

NHTSA lists 19 recalls for 2015-2026 Mazda 3 models as of 2026-11-04, the latest reported 2025-05-29 (25V357000). Recall work is free; enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

### What is the most common problem with the Mazda 3?

In NHTSA owner complaints the most-reported category is electrical system, followed by service brakes. The 2015 model year has the most complaints (129), partly because complaint counts follow sales volume.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)
- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)

## All Mazda cars

- [Mazda MX-5](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-mx-5)

## More Mazda models

- [Mazda CX-30](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-30)
- [Mazda CX-5](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-5)
- [Mazda CX-50](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-50)
- [Mazda CX-90](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-90)
- [Mazda 2](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-2): discontinued
- [Mazda 6](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-6): discontinued
- [Mazda CX-3](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-3): discontinued
- [Mazda CX-9](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-9): discontinued

## Other midsize cars

- [Mercedes-Benz E-Class](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mercedes-benz-e-class)
- [Mini Clubman](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mini-clubman)
- [Nissan Altima](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima)
- [Nissan Maxima](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-maxima)
- [Nissan Sentra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-sentra)
- [Polestar 2](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/polestar-2)
- [Subaru Legacy](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-legacy)

## Car care

- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
- [How often to change oil](https://diagxcar.com/how-often/change-oil)
- [Tire size calculator](https://diagxcar.com/tools/tire-size-calculator)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-3
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.