Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the CX-5 sits right on their 26.3 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2013, the 2L 4-cyl (2013–2015), does 29 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2016–2026), 27.3: $83 a year apart.
Every Mazda CX-5 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 26 / 34 | 2013–2015 | $1,324 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 28 / 31 | 2018–2019 | $1,324 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 24.9 / 30.8 | 2016–2026 | $1,407 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2026 CX-5.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$17 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,307 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gives up 6 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 24 in the city, $320 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (25%) | Typical for its type |
How the CX-5 changed over the years
The CX-5 peaked in 2019 at 29 mpg (28 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2026 at 26 — 3 mpg apart, or $153 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 26. The 2026 model loses 2 mpg against 28 for the 2025.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 30 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2024 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2023 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2022 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2021 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2020 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2019 | 28 / 31 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2018 | 28 / 31 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2017 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2016 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2015 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2014 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2013 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Mazda CX-5 — 3 engines across 2013–2026. 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 $2,307. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 get?
26 mpg combined, 24 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2013 the CX-5 has averaged 27.9 mpg.
Is the 2026 CX-5 more efficient than the 2025?
No: 26 against 28 mpg combined, about $106 a year more to run.
Which CX-5 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2019, at 29 mpg combined (28 city, 31 highway).
Does the CX-5 get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 26 mpg for the 2026 CX-5 against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $453 a year more to run.
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