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

The Mazda MX-5 has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 21 model years, from 2006 to 2026. Across those years its best rated version returned 30 mpg (2016) and its thirstiest returned 23 mpg (2006). The EPA record holds 52 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 placed highest in 2007 at #1 of 36, and lowest in 2015 at #19 of 60. It spent 21 of its 21 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 52 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 4 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

What MX-5 fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2026 Mazda MX-5 burns 397 to 397 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 2026 model year is $2,650 to $2,650 a year in fuel, or $2,000 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 29 mpg the Mazda MX-5 is 11 mpg better the median, which is worth about $848 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.