Skip to main content
2021 Mazda CX-3

The Most Fuel-Efficient Mazda SUVs

Over the past few years, Mazda has stepped up its game when it comes to the overall styling of its lineup. Each model has its own unique sense of upscale luxury and you would hard-pressed to find something you didn’t like in any of them. The best part about Mazda’s model lineup is the SUVs, …

Over the past few years, Mazda has stepped up its game when it comes to the overall styling of its lineup. Each model has its own unique sense of upscale luxury and you would hard-pressed to find something you didn’t like in any of them. The best part about Mazda’s model lineup is the SUVs, specifically the CX-30, CX-3, and CX-5. They can all seat up to five comfortably, are comfortable on and off the road, and are fuel-efficient as well. In case you happen to be shopping for an SUV and Mazda is on your shortlist, here are the most fuel-efficient small SUV offering from the automaker, according to fueleconomy.gov.

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 might be small, but it packs a large punch in terms of providing a zippy means of transportation for five. With a host of safety equipment like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning as well as a well-appointed leather interior, the CX-30 is sure to impress. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque but the best part is that it’s fuel-efficient as well. According to the EPA, the CX-30 can achieve up to 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, but you’ll have to opt for the front-drive format if you want that kind of mileage.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 facing away, looking at the wilderness
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 on display | Photo via Mazda

Mazda CX-3

If you want the smallest SUV of the bunch, then you can look into getting a Mazda CX-3. It has a quirky, fun-to-drive nature along with elegant exterior and interior styling that looks like it’s from a class above. And while its interior space might be limited, it has enough seating for up to five and carries them all adequately with its 148-hp, 2.0-liter engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s also available in either front- or all-wheel-drive form, however, if you want the best mileage, then you’ll have to opt for the front-drive trim to achieve an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The Mazda CX-3 is a safe, dependable, and modern subcompact crossover developed by Mazda to be their entry-level model.
Mazda CX-3 | Mazda USA

Mazda CX-5

If you need something bigger, then you might want to choose the Mazda CX-5. This Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 rival offers up the same elegance and prestige as its stablemates along with the added room for you and four others to sit comfortably in its upscale cabin. Under the hood, you do have a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and a naturally aspirated version, as well as front- or all-wheel drive. But if the best mileage is what you’re after, then we suggest getting the base 2.5-liter engine with front-wheel-drive as it’s able to achieve up to an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

2020 Mazda CX-5 parked on street
2020 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

Fuel-efficient Mazdas

One thing to note is that we did leave out the seven-passenger Mazda CX-9 off of this list because it doesn’t get over 30 mpg on the highway in any form. However, if you must know, it can achieve up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway if you select the front-drive option for it. But if the best fuel economy is what you’re after, then we suggest picking one of the smaller Mazda SUVs.

Related

Why Doesn’t Mazda Offer a Hybrid CX-5?