Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the CX-50 beats their 26.3 mpg average by 5.7 mpg, about $260 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2023, the 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid (2025–2026), does 38 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2023–2026), 27: $411 a year apart.
Every Mazda CX-50 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 39 / 37 | 2025–2026 | $1,011 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 24.3 / 30.3 | 2023–2026 | $1,422 |
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 Kia Telluride 26.3 mpg, next to 32 mpg for the 2026 CX-50.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.100 |
| Fuel per year | $1,200 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$260 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,083 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 gives up 2 mpg in town: 33.5 on the highway against 31.5 in the city, $73 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 31.5 mpg | $1,219 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 33.5 mpg | $1,146 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (6%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the CX-50 changed over the years
The CX-50 peaked in 2025 at 33 mpg (32 city, 34 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2024 at 27 — 6 mpg apart, or $258 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 32. The biggest single-year change came in 2025: 27 to 33 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 31.5 / 33.5 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2025 | 32 / 34 | 2 | $1,164 | |
| 2024 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2023 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,422 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Mazda CX-50 — 2 engines across 2023–2026. 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 $2,083. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 get?
32 mpg combined, 31.5 city and 33.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 26 to 38. Across every year since 2023 the CX-50 has averaged 30.7 mpg.
Is the 2026 CX-50 more efficient than the 2025?
No: 32 against 33 mpg combined, about $36 a year more to run.
Which CX-50 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2025, at 33 mpg combined (32 city, 34 highway).
Does the CX-50 get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 32 mpg for the 2026 CX-50 against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $176 a year more to run.
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