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 5-Door 2WD
Midsize · Front-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Midsize Cars
Where it places
Against gas and hybrid cars by fuel cost
The CarCody take
The 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 2WD is a gasoline midsize car with front-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual transmission. Its EPA rating is 28 MPG combined, with 25 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. EPA annual fuel cost is $2,400.
Good to know
- 28 MPG combined EPA rating
- 34 MPG highway rating
- Front-wheel drive
- Six-speed manual transmission
- 2.5 L four-cylinder engine
Watch for
- 25 MPG city rating is lower than its highway figure
- EPA annual fuel cost is $2,400
- Tailpipe CO2 is 314 grams per mile
- Gasoline powertrain
Who it suits. Drivers who prefer a manual five-door car Highway-heavy driving Front-wheel-drive buyers
Choose this Mazda if a five-door body, a manual six-speed, and front-wheel drive match your priorities. Its 28 MPG combined rating gives you a clear fuel-use benchmark, with the strongest figure on highway trips. Budget $2,400 a year for EPA-estimated fuel cost. Drivers focused mainly on city miles should plan around the 25 MPG city rating rather than the highway number.
What it is
The 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 2WD is a gasoline car in the midsize-car class. It uses front-wheel drive and a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission. See other Mazda cars.
The numbers
The defining EPA figure is 28 MPG combined. The rating breaks down to 25 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway.
What it costs to run
EPA lists annual fuel cost at $2,400. That estimate gives you a simple yearly budget for gasoline, while your actual cost will follow how much city and highway driving you do.
How it compares
Use 28 MPG combined when placing this Mazda beside other midsize cars. Its city and highway ratings show the difference to expect between stop-and-go trips and steadier highway travel.
Who it suits
This car suits a driver who wants a gasoline five-door car with front-wheel drive and prefers a manual gearbox. The 34 MPG highway rating fits drivers whose miles lean toward highway use.
Trade-offs
The manual transmission and front-wheel drive define the driving setup. Fuel economy is higher on the highway than in the city, and EPA lists tailpipe emissions at 314 grams of CO2 per mile.
Verdict
Choose this Mazda if a five-door body, a manual six-speed, and front-wheel drive match your priorities. Its 28 MPG combined rating gives you a clear fuel-use benchmark, with the strongest figure on highway trips. Budget $2,400 a year for EPA-estimated fuel cost. Drivers focused mainly on city miles should plan around the 25 MPG city rating rather than the highway number.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 28 MPG
- City MPG
- 25 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 34 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,400
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 314 g per mile
- Model year
- 2026
- Body
- Car
- EPA size class
- Midsize Cars
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 2.5 L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 2WD's combined MPG?
Its EPA combined rating is 28 MPG.
What city and highway MPG does it get?
EPA rates it at 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel each year?
EPA lists annual fuel cost at $2,400.
What engine and transmission does it use?
It has a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Is the 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 2WD front-wheel drive?
Yes. The listed drive system is front-wheel drive.
What emissions figure is listed?
Tailpipe CO2 is listed at 314 grams per mile.
Cars around it
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$2,400 a year · $2,400 fuel a year
2026 Kia K4
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$2,400 a year · $2,400 fuel a year
2026 Kia Sportage FWD
$2,400 a year · $2,400 fuel a year 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD
$2,400 a year · $2,400 fuel a year