If you’ve ever wondered “How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Mazda actually get?”, you’re in the right place.
This guide breaks down:
✔ EPA fuel economy data
✔ Actual owner-reported MPG from Reddit
✔ Diesel info (spoiler: not much for the U.S.)
✔ Metric conversions (L/100 km for global readers)
✔ Real tips that matter if you’re buying or comparing
Let’s dive in.
Quick Overview – 2021 Mazda MPG (EPA Ratings)
Here’s the official U.S. EPA fuel economy for the most popular 2021 Mazda models on American roads:
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda3 Sedan (FWD) | 26 | 35 | 30 |
| Mazda3 Hatchback | 25 | 33 | 29 |
| Mazda CX-30 (FWD) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| Mazda CX-5 (FWD) | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| Mazda6 | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| Mazda CX-9 (AWD) | 20 | 26 | 23 |
Key takeaways:
➡ The Mazda3 Sedan is the champs in fuel economy.
➡ SUVs like the CX-5 and CX-9 trade some MPG for space.
➡ Larger engines and AWD tend to drop MPG a bit.
Mazda CX-5 MPG Breakdown (Let’s Get Specific)
The Mazda CX-5 was one of Mazda’s most popular SUVs in 2021. Let’s see how trims affect MPG:
| CX-5 Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L FWD | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| 2.5L AWD | 22 | 27 | 24 |
| 2.5L Turbo AWD | 22 | 27 | 24 |
So basically:
🔥 AWD drops a couple of MPG
🔥 Turbo gives you more power — but less miles per gallon
If fuel economy is your priority, go with the 2.5L FWD version.
Diesel in 2021 Mazda Lineup? (U.S. Reality)
Short answer: Not really in the U.S.
By 2021, Mazda had mostly phased out diesel options in America. So if you’re driving here, you’re looking at gas engines.
That said, in other countries — especially Europe — Mazda CX-5 diesels were known to go:
| Engine | Combined MPG (Est.) |
|---|---|
| 2.2L Diesel | ~30–35 MPG |
Diesel is better at highway cruising and torque, but in the States? Gas is king.
Mazda MPG 2021 in L/100 km (Metric Conversion)
A lot of global readers like L/100 km — so here’s how U.S. MPG converts.
L/100 km = 235.2 ÷ MPG
| Model | Combined MPG | L/100 km |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda3 Sedan | 30 | 7.8 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 28 | 8.4 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 26 | 9.0 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 23 | 10.2 |
Lower L/100 km = better fuel economy.
Real Owner Reports – Reddit Says…
Official EPA ratings are great, but what do actual Mazda drivers see day-to-day?
Check out what folks on Reddit are saying (real owner experiences):
Mazda3 Owners Report:
One Redditor with a 2.0L Mazda3 Sedan said that city driving often felt more like ~25 MPG than what EPA claims — especially in traffic. That’s roughly 9.5 L/100 km in stop-and-go. (reddit.com)
Other commenters reported cruising highway numbers in the 35–43 MPG range when conditions are perfect and driving is relaxed.
👀 Mixed driving (city + highway)? Owners are seeing ~25–35 MPG, depending on throttle use, terrain, and weather.
What This Really Means
Based on Reddit owner reports:
- 🌆 City driving real-world: ~22–26 MPG
- 🛣️ Highway cruising: ~32–40+ MPG
- 🚗 Everyday mixed use: ~25–30 MPG
This matches real human driving — not lab conditions.
So yeah… Mazda3 can do better than EPA on the highway, and a bit worse in stop-and-go.
🏁 Which 2021 Mazda is Most Fuel Efficient?
🚀 Winner: Mazda3 Sedan
Up to 35 MPG highway, and around 26–30 MPG combined in real life.
If you want a small SUV that still sips gas:
👉 Mazda CX-30 FWD is a great choice.
Mazda vs Competitors (Quick Comparison)
Let’s see how Mazda stacks up against rivals:
| Model | Combined MPG |
|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | 26 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 28 |
| Honda CR-V | 28 |
Toyota and Honda eek out a touch more MPG on paper, but Mazda brings a sportier drive and nicer interior — depending on what matters most to you.
FAQs You Care About
Q: Is Mazda fuel efficient?
A: Yup. Most 2021 Mazda models end up in the 26–30 MPG range combined.
Q: Does AWD hurt MPG?
A: Yep — AWD usually drops you 1–3 MPG, especially around town.
Q: Does a turbo engine use more gas?
A: Turbo means fun — but it usually knocks your MPG down just a bit.
Q: Can Mazda actually get better than EPA numbers?
A: On the highway with easy driving? Absolutely — some owners hit 35–40+ MPG on Reddit.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re browsing Reddit threads or crunching EPA tables, one thing’s clear:
👉 Mazda in 2021 balanced good fuel economy with a fun driving feel.
If you want mileage that’s respectable but still gives you a nice driving experience:
✔ Go for Mazda3 for best MPG
✔ Choose FWD over AWD if gas economy matters
✔ Drive smooth, and you’ll see numbers Reddit owners brag about
