Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the MX-5 beats their 26.3 mpg average by 2.7 mpg, about $136 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1990, the 2L 4-cyl (2006–2026), does 26.9 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1994–2005), 23: $242 a year apart.
Every Mazda MX-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 | 24.1 / 31.3 | 2006–2026 | $1,428 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 21.5 / 27.5 | 1990–1993 | $1,600 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 20.5 / 26.3 | 1994–2005 | $1,670 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the BMW Z4 gets 26.5 mpg, next to 29 mpg for the 2026 MX-5. The MX-5 is the cheapest of them to run: $125 a year less than the BMW Z4.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$136 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,889 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 gives up 9 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 26 in the city, $380 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (35%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the MX-5 changed over the years
The MX-5 peaked in 2023 at 30 mpg (26 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 22 — 8 mpg apart, or $465 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 29. The biggest single-year change came in 2016: 24 to 30 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2024 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2023 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2022 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2021 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2020 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2019 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2018 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2017 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2016 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2015 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2014 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2013 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2012 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2011 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2010 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2009 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2008 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2007 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2006 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2005 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2004 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2003 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2002 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2001 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2000 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1999 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1997 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1996 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 36 EPA ratings of the Mazda MX-5 — 3 engines across 1990–2026. 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 $2,889. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Mazda MX-5 get?
29 mpg combined, 26 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1990 the MX-5 has averaged 25.4 mpg.
Is the 2026 MX-5 more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 29 against 29 mpg combined.
Which MX-5 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2023, at 30 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway).
Does the MX-5 get better gas mileage than the BMW Z4?
Yes: 29 mpg for the 2026 MX-5 against 26.5 for the 2026 BMW Z4, about $125 a year less to run.
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