Against 452 other V6 cars rated 2004–2006, the MPV trails their 19 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $112 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1989, the 2.6L 4-cyl (1989–1995), does 18.9 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1989–2006), 17.5: $162 a year apart.
Every Mazda MPV engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 4-cyl | 16.6 / 22.1 | 1989–1995 | $2,032 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 16 / 21 | 2000–2001 | $2,133 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 15.5 / 21.1 | 1989–2006 | $2,194 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2004–2006 | +$112 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,471 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 Mazda MPV gives up 7 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 16 in the city, $730 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2006) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the MPV changed over the years
The MPV peaked in 2005 at 19 mpg (16 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 17 — 2 mpg apart, or $238 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2005 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2004 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1996 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1995 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 1992 | 15.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 1991 | 16.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1990 | 16.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1989 | 16.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,076 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 24 EPA ratings of the Mazda MPV — 3 engines across 1989–2006. 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 $3,471. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 Mazda MPV get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1989 the MPV has averaged 18 mpg.
Is the 2006 MPV more efficient than the 2005?
No: 18 against 19 mpg combined, about $112 a year more to run.
Which MPV year has the best gas mileage?
The 2005, at 19 mpg combined (16 city, 23 highway).
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