Photo: Mazda3 by File:Mazda3 (BP) X e-Skyactiv-X IMG 9015.jpg: Alexander Migl derivative work: Zinnmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. It shows the model, not always this exact version.
Mazda · model year 2026
2026 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD
Compact · Front-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Compact Cars
Where it places
- 32 Fuel-efficient compact cars
Ordered by combined MPG #32 of 86 - 95 Fuel-efficient cars
Ordered by combined MPG #95 of 401 - 01 Mazda cars
Every model year, newest first #1 of 1,156 - 709 2026 cars and trucks
Every car of that year, A to Z #709 of 1,172 - 291 Gas and hybrid cars by fuel cost
Ordered by fuel a year #291 of 2,158
Against fuel-efficient compact cars
The CarCody take
The 2026 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD is a compact gasoline car with front-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic. Its defining number is 30 MPG combined, with 27 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. Fuel cost is listed at $2,250 a year.
Good to know
- 30 MPG combined rating
- 36 MPG highway rating
- Front-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Watch for
- 27 MPG city rating
- Annual fuel cost listed at $2,250
- 294 grams of CO2 per mile
- Runs on gasoline
Who it suits. Compact-car shoppers tracking fuel use Drivers who prefer front-wheel drive Mixed city and highway routes
Choose this 2026 Mazda 3 when a compact body, gasoline power and front-wheel drive line up with your daily routes. The 30 MPG combined number gives it a clear fuel-use target, while the 27 MPG city rating matters for stop-and-go commutes. Highway drivers have a 36 MPG figure to work with. Budget around $2,250 a year for fuel under the listed estimate, and weigh that cost against other compact cars before deciding.
What it is
The 2026 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD is a compact car that runs on gasoline. It uses front-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The combined figure is 30 MPG. That is the single number to use when you want one estimate for mixed driving.
The numbers
The car is rated at 27 MPG in city driving and 36 MPG on the highway. Your split between stop-and-go streets and open roads determines which figure matters more.
Tailpipe output is listed at 294 grams of CO2 per mile.
What it costs to run
Annual fuel cost is listed at $2,250. The estimate pairs with the 30 MPG combined rating, while your city and highway driving mix will affect the result.
How it compares
Put its 30 MPG combined figure beside other compact cars when comparing fuel use. The fuel-efficient compact cars list gives you a place to make that side-by-side check.
You can also browse Mazda cars or the wider fuel-efficient cars list.
Who it suits
This Mazda suits a driver who wants a compact gasoline car with front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
It makes the most sense when a 30 MPG combined rating and the $2,250 annual fuel estimate fit your driving budget.
Trade-offs
The city rating is 27 MPG, below its 36 MPG highway rating, so mostly urban driving uses the lower figure.
It is a gasoline car, and its listed tailpipe output is 294 grams of CO2 per mile. Front-wheel drive and the six-speed automatic define this version.
Verdict
Choose this 2026 Mazda 3 when a compact body, gasoline power and front-wheel drive line up with your daily routes. The 30 MPG combined number gives it a clear fuel-use target, while the 27 MPG city rating matters for stop-and-go commutes. Highway drivers have a 36 MPG figure to work with. Budget around $2,250 a year for fuel under the listed estimate, and weigh that cost against other compact cars before deciding.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 30 MPG
- City MPG
- 27 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,250
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 294 g per mile
- Model year
- 2026
- Body
- Car
- EPA size class
- Compact Cars
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 2.5 L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 2026 Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD's combined MPG?
Its combined rating is 30 MPG.
What are its city and highway MPG figures?
It is rated at 27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel each year?
The listed annual fuel cost is $2,250.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the Mazda 3 4-Door 2WD front-wheel drive?
Yes. This version uses front-wheel drive.
How much tailpipe CO2 does it produce?
The listed tailpipe output is 294 grams of CO2 per mile.
Cars around it
2027 MINI Cooper C 4 Door
31 MPG · $2,650 fuel a year
2027 BMW 228 Gran Coupe
31 MPG · $2,650 fuel a year MINI2027 MINI Cooper S 4 Door
31 MPG · $2,650 fuel a year
2026 BMW 330i Sedan
31 MPG · $2,650 fuel a year
2025 Volvo S60 T8 AWD
31 MPG · $2,650 fuel a year 2027 BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe
30 MPG · $2,750 fuel a year 2025 Volvo S60 B5
30 MPG · $2,750 fuel a year