Mazda MX-5 Miata MPG by year — every rating on record

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 15 model years, from 1990 to 2005. Across those years its best rated version returned 24 mpg (1990) and its thirstiest returned 20 mpg (2004). The EPA record holds 39 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Two Seaters.

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The Mazda MX-5 Miata placed highest in 1995 at #2 of 19, and lowest in 1991 at #5 of 33. It spent 15 of its 15 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 39 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 2 of 5 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

What MX-5 Miata fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata burns 500 to 575 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

EPA’s own estimate for the 2005 model year is $3,350 to $3,900 a year in fuel, or $6,250 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Two Seaters

Across the 263 nameplates EPA classifies as Two Seaters, the median best combined rating is 18 mpg. At 23 mpg the Mazda MX-5 Miata is 5 mpg better the median, which is worth about $486 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

• All Two Seaters rankings — every nameplate in the class, best to worst.

Other Mazda nameplates

Every Mazda model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.