1996 Mazda MX-5 MiataFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Gasoline Two SeatersRear-Wheel Drive
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City
21
MPG
Highway
26
MPG
Combined
23
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 17 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
27.8MPG average+20.7% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 23 MPG · Owner reported avg: 27.8 MPG
Range: 20–35 MPG
Driving mix: City 40% / Highway 60%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 27.8 real world MPG based on 17 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 23 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
26
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $2,950/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
19
Hwy
26
Comb
22
Fuel cost: $3,050/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,950 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,950
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$-2,750
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 386 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 12.9 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 1.8L, 4-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Port Fuel Injection
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$2,928/yr
California
$5.957/gal$3,885/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,536/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,697/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,949/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,941/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$3,646/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,012/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,833/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,901/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $2,928/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $3,885/yrHIGHEST | +$957 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $2,536/yrLOWEST | $-392 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $2,697/yr | $-231 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $2,949/yr | +$21 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $2,941/yr | +$13 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $3,646/yr | +$718 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $3,012/yr | +$84 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $2,833/yr | $-95 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $2,901/yr | $-27 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 23 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Mazda MX-5 Miata MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year