What is a fuel-efficient vehicle? Fuel efficiency refers to how far a vehicle can travel on a certain amount of gas. In the United States, this is known as miles per gallon (mpg). A fuel-efficient car or SUV uses up less gas to go a certain amount of miles compared to other vehicles. That means you can save money at the pump as you don’t need to fill up the tank as often. Mazda vehicles are well known for their fuel efficiency, and we’re reviewing our top five most fuel-efficient cars and SUVs from the brand.
It’s easy to see why the Mazda CX-90 is considered one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs. It’s available as a gasoline or plug-in hybrid model and offers three rows of spacious seating for up to eight passengers. The Mazda CX-90 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and is Consumer Reports recommended.
The gasoline model of the Mazda CX-90 delivers a class-leading EPA-estimated 25 combined mpg*, and it’s powered by a 340-horsepower 3.3 Inline 6 turbo engine. The rear-biased i-Activ AWD® makes it easy to drive on different road conditions. It’s a mild hybrid, like the CX-70, which saves on fuel but doesn’t require charging.
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that delivers an EPA-estimated 26-mile electric-only range, 490-mile total range, and 56 MPGe/combined. It’s powered by an e-SKYACTIV®-PHEV 2.5-liter engine and 68 kW electric motor.
The new Mazda CX-70 is proving to be among the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. This two-row Mazda SUV is available as a gas or a plug-in hybrid model and seats up to five passengers. Both models have standard i-Activ AWD®.
The gas model of the Mazda CX-70 starts at $40,445 MSRP. It has a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons and delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg/city, 28 mg/highway, and 25 mpg/combined. It’s powered by a 280-horsepower e-Skyactiv®-G 3.3-liter inline 6 turbo engine and can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the base trim or 5,000 pounds with higher trims when properly equipped. The CX-70 features. This model has a mild hybrid powertrain, which adds a small electric motor. It optimizes fuel efficiency by reducing the gas engine load and doesn’t need to be plugged in.
The Mazda CX-70 PHEV starts at $54,400 MSRP. It delivers an EPA-estimated 26-mile all-electric range, 490-mile total range, and 56 MPGe/combined. The plug-in hybrid model can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. With the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, you have the freedom to choose between all-electric power for shorter drives or a hybrid of gas and electric for longer trips.
3. 2024 Mazda MX-5According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s list of the 2024 Most and Least Efficient Cars, the Mazda MX-5 is the most fuel-efficient car in the two-seater category. Kelley Blue Book also lists the Mazda MX-5 Miata as one of the cars with the best gas mileage.
This two-seater starts at $28,985 MSRP and is available in five trim levels. With a manual transmission, it provides an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg. With an automatic transmission, it delivers an EPA-estimated 30 combined mpg. It has an 11.89-gallon fuel capacity. The Mazda MX-5 is powered by an 181-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
The convertible has a standard soft top and higher trims offer a power-retractable hardtop. This fuel-efficient car is also Consumer Reports recommended for its safety, reliability, performance, comfort, and convenience.
If you’re looking for one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs, consider the Mazda CX-30. This compact SUV starts at $24,995 MSRP and is powered by a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The fuel capacity is 12.7 gallons, and the Mazda CX-30 gas mileage provides an EPA-estimated 26 mpg/city, 33 mpg/highway, and 29 mpg/combined.
Standard across all trims is i-ACTIV AWD® with Off-road Traction Assist, and inside, the Mazda CX-30 seats up to five passengers. This fuel-efficient SUV is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
When it comes to fuel-efficient cars, the Mazda3 makes the list. The Mazda3 gas mileage delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg/city, 37 mpg/highway, and 31 mpg/combined.
This sedan starts at $24,170 MSRP and runs on a standard SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard on lower trims, while higher trims offer i-ACTIV AWD® (all-wheel drive). A remote keyless entry system and push button start make driving the Mazda3 convenient.
This fuel-efficient car is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ and received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Like the Mazda MX-5, it’s also recommended by Consumer Reports.
At Whitten Brothers Automotive, we have a wide selection of fuel-efficient vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a spacious Mazda SUV for your family, a reliable sedan for your daily commute, or a sports car for fun weekend rides, our Sales Advocates are here to help. Contact us to schedule a Mazda test drive in Richmond or Ashland, VA, and experience why these are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles for yourself.