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 4WD
Midsize · 4-Wheel Drive · Gas · EPA class: Midsize Cars
Where it places
- 51 Fuel-efficient midsize cars
Ordered by combined MPG #51 of 105 - 135 Fuel-efficient cars
Ordered by combined MPG #135 of 401 - 06 Mazda cars
Every model year, newest first #6 of 1,156 - 714 2026 cars and trucks
Every car of that year, A to Z #714 of 1,172 - 168 Fuel-efficient AWD and 4WD cars
Ordered by combined MPG #168 of 1,362 - 375 Gas and hybrid cars by fuel cost
Ordered by fuel a year #375 of 2,158
Against fuel-efficient midsize cars
The CarCody take
The 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD is a gasoline midsize car with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic six-speed transmission and four-wheel drive. Its defining EPA figure is 28 combined MPG. City driving is rated at 25 MPG and highway driving at 34 MPG. EPA annual fuel cost is $2,400, with tailpipe emissions of 317 grams per mile.
Good to know
- Four-wheel drive in a five-door midsize car
- 34 MPG highway rating
- Automatic six-speed transmission
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine
Watch for
- 25 MPG city rating
- 28 MPG combined rating
- $2,400 EPA annual fuel cost
- 317 grams of CO2 per mile
Who it suits. Drivers wanting a midsize five-door with four-wheel drive Mixed city and highway driving Highway-focused gasoline use
Choose this Mazda if a midsize five-door shape and four-wheel drive matter more than chasing a higher combined-MPG figure. Its 28 MPG rating gives a clear expectation for mixed driving, while the $2,400 EPA fuel estimate sets the yearly running target. The 25-MPG city number favors lighter urban use less than its 34-MPG highway figure, so drivers with mostly open-road miles may get closer to the stronger side of its range.
What it is
This is Mazda’s 2026 3 5-Door 4WD, classified by the EPA as a midsize car. It uses gasoline, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an automatic six-speed transmission.
Four-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels. The body is a five-door car.
The numbers
The key figure is 28 MPG combined. That blends the EPA ratings of 25 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway.
Your result will depend on how much of your driving is in town or on open roads. Highway trips align more closely with 34 MPG; stop-and-go use is closer to 25 MPG.
What it costs to run
The EPA lists annual fuel cost at $2,400. It burns gasoline, and its tailpipe output is 317 grams of CO2 per mile.
How it compares
As a midsize car rated at 28 combined MPG, it can be lined up with other fuel-efficient midsize cars using the same combined-MPG measure.
For a wider look across body classes, compare its 28 MPG with the figures in fuel-efficient cars.
Who it suits
This Mazda suits a driver who wants a midsize five-door car, gasoline power and four-wheel drive, while keeping combined fuel use at 28 MPG.
It fits drivers whose routine includes both city streets and highway miles, with separate EPA figures for each.
Trade-offs
Four-wheel drive adds all-wheel traction to the setup, while the EPA ratings are 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. The combined result is 28 MPG.
The automatic transmission and gasoline engine keep the powertrain conventional.
Verdict
Choose this Mazda if a midsize five-door shape and four-wheel drive matter more than chasing a higher combined-MPG figure. Its 28 MPG rating gives a clear expectation for mixed driving, while the $2,400 EPA fuel estimate sets the yearly running target. The 25-MPG city number favors lighter urban use less than its 34-MPG highway figure, so drivers with mostly open-road miles may get closer to the stronger side of its range.
Every figure on record
- Combined MPG
- 28 MPG
- City MPG
- 25 MPG
- Highway MPG
- 34 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,400
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 317 g per mile
- Model year
- 2026
- Body
- Car
- EPA size class
- Midsize Cars
- Drive
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 2.5 L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Fuel
- Gasoline
Questions
What is the 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 4WD’s combined MPG?
The EPA combined rating is 28 MPG.
What are its city and highway MPG ratings?
It is rated at 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel each year?
The EPA annual fuel-cost estimate is $2,400.
What drivetrain does this Mazda use?
It has four-wheel drive with a gasoline powertrain.
What engine and transmission are used?
The car uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an automatic six-speed transmission.
What kind of car is it?
It is a 2026 midsize five-door car from Mazda’s 3 family.
How much CO2 does it emit?
Tailpipe emissions are listed at 317 grams of CO2 per mile.
Cars around it
2025 Subaru Legacy AWD
30 MPG · $2,250 fuel a year
2027 BMW 530i xDrive Sedan
30 MPG · $2,750 fuel a year
2026 Toyota Crown AWD
30 MPG · $2,250 fuel a year
2025 Audi A5 Sportback quattro
29 MPG · $2,850 fuel a year 2026 Mazda 3 5-Door 2WD
29 MPG · $2,300 fuel a year
2025 Volvo S90 T8 AWD
29 MPG · $2,850 fuel a year
2027 Volkswagen Golf GTI
28 MPG · $2,400 fuel a year