Against 502 other 4-cyl cars rated 2020–2022, the CX-3 sits right on their 26.8 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2016, the 2L 4-cyl (2016–2021), does 31 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2022), 26: $238 a year apart.
Every Mazda CX-3 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 29 / 34.2 | 2016–2021 | $1,239 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 24 / 31 | 2022–2022 | $1,477 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 43.2 mpg, the Lexus IS 23 mpg and the Acura TLX 23 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2022 CX-3.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2022) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2020–2022 | +$44 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,086 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2022 Mazda CX-3 gives up 7 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 24 in the city, $361 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2022) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the CX-3 changed over the years
The CX-3 peaked in 2021 at 31 mpg (29 city, 34 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2022 at 26 — 5 mpg apart, or $238 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2022 car does 26. The 2022 model loses 5 mpg against 31 for the 2021.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2021 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2020 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2019 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2018 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2017 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2016 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Mazda CX-3 — 2 engines across 2016–2022. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,086. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2022 Mazda CX-3 get?
26 mpg combined, 24 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2016 the CX-3 has averaged 30.3 mpg.
Is the 2022 CX-3 more efficient than the 2021?
No: 26 against 31 mpg combined, about $238 a year more to run.
Which CX-3 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2021, at 31 mpg combined (29 city, 34 highway).
Does the CX-3 get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 26 mpg for the 2022 CX-3 against 43.2 for the 2023 Toyota Corolla, about $588 a year more to run.
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