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Nissan Pathfinder vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata MPG

Chart is based on 126 fuel economy reports for the Nissan Pathfinder and 287 fuel economy reports for the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Nissan Pathfinder MPG

Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2014 20.6 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2013 18.0 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2013 22.2 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2011 21.8 MPG Highway Percentage 57 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2011 19.0 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2010 15.5 MPG Highway Percentage 33 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2010 16.0 MPG Highway Percentage 38 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2009 18.6 MPG Highway Percentage 14 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2008 15.9 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2008 15.6 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2008 18.5 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2008 17.0 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2008 17.6 MPG Highway Percentage 65 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2008 19.2 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2008 16.7 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2007 16.0 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2007 19.6 MPG Highway Percentage 36 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2007 13.6 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2006 17.1 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2006 18.8 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2006 17.7 MPG Highway Percentage 38 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2005 17.1 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2005 16.0 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2005 17.5 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2004 19.9 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2004 18.7 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2004 14.9 MPG Highway Percentage 35 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2003 17.1 MPG Highway Percentage 46 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2003 17.1 MPG Highway Percentage 62 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2002 17.4 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2002 16.5 MPG Highway Percentage 21 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2001 18.5 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2001 10.5 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2001 13.3 MPG Highway Percentage 5 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2000 20.0 MPG Highway Percentage 60 percent Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 1999.5 15.0 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2014 4dr SUV supercharged 230hp 2.5L I4 Hybrid
CVT 4WD		 hills light light 5 15 25 55 70 20.6  
2013 4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6
CVT FWD		 flat med light 12 11 54 23 79 18.0  
2013 4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6
CVT 4WD		 flat light none 7 7 28 58 60 22.2  
2011 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat light light 0 7 37 57 70 21.8  
2011 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat light hvy 0 0 60 40 75 19.0  
2010 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat light none 0 33 33 33 60 15.5  
2010 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat light light 15 8 40 38 95 16.0  
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2009 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat light none 10 19 57 14 60 18.6  
2008 4dr SUV 310-horsepower 5.6L V8
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat med light 0 37 5 58 78 15.9  
2008 4dr SUV 310-horsepower 5.6L V8
5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 5 5 14 76 71 15.6  
2008 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat med hvy 30 10 10 50 70 18.5  
2008 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat med none 7 17 22 55 77 17.0  
2008 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light light 8 13 15 65 64 17.6  
2008 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 hills light hvy 10 30 30 30 60 19.2  
2008 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 hills med light 1 10 35 55 68 16.7  
2007 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat light light 0 0 60 40 70 16.0  
2007 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 hills light light 6 5 53 36 83 19.6  
2007 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light light 15 45 10 30 60 13.6  
2006 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 flat med none 30 10 10 50 75 17.1  
2006 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat light none 0 20 29 51 66 18.8  
2006 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light light 3 35 24 38 63 17.7  
2005 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic RWD		 hills med none 24 20 16 40 69 17.1  
2005 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat med light 7 35 19 39 71 16.0  
2005 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 7 10 13 70 78 17.5  
2004 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic RWD		 flat med hvy 50 30 20 0 0 19.9  
2004 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 hills light light 5 17 12 67 68 18.7  
2004 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med none 10 10 45 35 100 14.9  
2003 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat med light 13 28 13 46 66 17.1  
2003 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat med light 5 17 17 62 117 17.1  
2002 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat light light 10 25 24 40 76 17.4  
2002 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light light 20 43 17 21 88 16.5  
2001 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic RWD		 flat med hvy 6 12 27 56 67 18.5  
2001 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat light none 15 35 0 50 75 10.5  
2001 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 flat light none 5 80 10 5 100 13.3  
2000 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 3.3L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 flat light none 20 10 10 60 60 20.0  
1999.5 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 3.3L V6
4-speed automatic RWD		 mtns light hvy 60 20 10 10 60 15.0  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy data.

Mazda MX-5 Miata MPG

Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2017 31.1 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2016 34.5 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2016 40.8 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2013 35.6 MPG Highway Percentage 44 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2012 28.7 MPG Highway Percentage 49 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2011 31.0 MPG Highway Percentage 60 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2010 28.3 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2010 30.7 MPG Highway Percentage 85 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2009 26.9 MPG Highway Percentage 36 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2009 31.5 MPG Highway Percentage 73 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2008 27.6 MPG Highway Percentage 46 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2008 27.2 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2008 30.7 MPG Highway Percentage 63 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2007 27.9 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2007 26.0 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2007 30.4 MPG Highway Percentage 47 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2006 26.9 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2006 27.7 MPG Highway Percentage 13 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2006 27.8 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2005 27.5 MPG Highway Percentage 35 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2005 31.2 MPG Highway Percentage 84 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2004 25.9 MPG Highway Percentage 45 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2004 27.0 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2004 18.8 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2003 31.9 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2003 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 42 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2002 23.6 MPG Highway Percentage 43 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2002 28.5 MPG Highway Percentage 60 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2002 21.5 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2001 27.9 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2001 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2001 31.2 MPG Highway Percentage 71 percent Mazda MX-5 Miata Mazda MX-5 Miata 2000 27.0 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2017 2dr Convertible 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 25 25 0 50 70 31.1  
2016 2dr Convertible 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 hills lead none 15 30 15 40 80 34.5  
2016 2dr Convertible 129-horsepower 1.5L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat v.lt none 5 5 20 70 65 40.8  
2013 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 hills med light 5 5 46 44 60 35.6  
2012 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 1 10 39 49 70 28.7  
2011 2dr Convertible 158-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat med hvy 0 40 0 60 70 31.0  
2010 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 15 16 19 51 68 28.3  
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2010 2dr Convertible 158-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 hills med none 2 2 13 85 63 30.7  
2009 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 11 20 34 36 70 26.9  
2009 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat lead none 0 8 20 73 73 31.5  
2008 2dr Convertible 166-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 5 15 34 46 67 27.6  
2008 2dr Convertible 166-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat lead none 0 10 10 80 63 27.2  
2008 2dr Convertible 158-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 hills med light 17 8 13 63 75 30.7  
2007 2dr Convertible 166-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 15 28 5 51 80 27.9  
2007 2dr Convertible 166-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 hills v.lt light 0 15 15 70 50 26.0  
2007 2dr Convertible 163-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat med hvy 2 14 37 47 67 30.4  
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 1 3 45 51 96 26.9  
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat lead light 7 67 13 13 93 27.7  
2006 2dr Convertible 166-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat light none 0 0 30 70 70 27.8  
2005 2dr Convertible turbocharged 178hp 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 hills med none 13 23 29 35 67 27.5  
2005 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 0 0 16 84 76 31.2  
2004 2dr Convertible turbocharged 178hp 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 4 26 24 45 65 25.9  
2004 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat lead none 0 0 20 80 60 27.0  
2004 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 3 10 7 80 110 18.8  
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 hills med none 3 10 18 70 83 31.9  
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 7 26 25 42 70 28.0  
2002 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 8 20 30 43 74 23.6  
2002 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 23 13 5 60 68 28.5  
2002 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
4-speed automatic RWD		 flat light light 10 20 50 20 60 21.5  
2001 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 hills lead light 3 60 13 25 55 27.9  
2001 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 14 22 45 20 68 25.5  
2001 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
4-speed automatic RWD		 hills med none 0 0 29 71 58 31.2  
2000 2dr Convertible 140-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 0 20 10 70 80 27.0  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Mazda MX-5 Miata fuel economy data.

Nissan Pathfinder vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Nissan Pathfinder and Mazda MX-5 Miata's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Nissan models and Mazda models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2013 Among those zigs, Nissan placed a big bet on continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Many people don't like how CVT-based powertrains sound and feel (which is a bit much like a slipping conventional transmission). But CVTs can hold an engine at a set, optimal rpm, either low for economy or high for performance, as the vehicle accelerates. Unlike the related Infiniti JX, the new Nissan Pathfinder gets Nissan's latest CVT, which has a broader range (6.4 vs. 5.4 multiple between the highest and lowest possible ratio) and lower internal friction. So it has even more flexibility to maximize either performance or fuel economy. On the performance front, the CVT makes the most of a 3.5-liter V6 that, with 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, under-performs the V6s in most competitors. Though a touch slow off the line, the 4,471-pound Pathfinder Platinum feels stronger than the quarter-ton-heavier GMC Acadia, and is generally as quick as anyone needs this sort of vehicle to be. Plant your foot, and it'll get to sixty in about eight seconds. Personally, I don't even mind how Nissan's CVT feels when paired with a V6 (though I do prefer the more direct feel of the CVT in the new Honda Accord). The CVT's real forte, though, is fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive Pathfinder earns EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. The 4WD Pathfinder does only a single mpg worse, 19/25. This is much better than the Acadia's 16/23, and also better than the Ford Explorer's 17/23, Honda Pilot's 17/24, the Toyota Highlander's 17/22, and the related Infiniti JX35's 18/23 (all with AWD). For higher fuel efficiency in a relatively affordable three-row crossover, you'd have to get a Highlander Hybrid (28/28). Or wait until next year, when Nissan will offer a hybrid version of the new Pathfinder (25/27). Unlike with competitors, you can lock the Pathfinder into two-wheel-drive. This might boost fuel efficiency a little. Four-wheel-drive isn't much necessary for dry-road performance or handling--the front tires manage the V6's torque well in all but the most energetic driving. In typical suburban driving after the engine was warmed up, the trip computer reported averages in the low 20s, and as high as 26 when I was especially easy on the gas and had good luck with traffic signals--impressive for a large crossover. A final bonus: unlike with the Infiniti JX, premium fuel isn't recommended. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6
CVT FWD		 My first trip consisted of mostly highway driving in Texas. Speeds varied from 60 to 75 mph on the highway with very little in-town driving. Overall average was around 23.7 mpg (Calculated) which agreed very closely with the on-board computer. I am hoping that the mpg will increase as the car is broken in more. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2013 4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6
CVT FWD		 With 10,000 miles on the car, we have averaged overall 21.3 mpg, according to the trip computer. Our average speed is 35 mph. Most of our driving is in town and it still seems to get great mileage for such a large car. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
Nissan Pathfinder Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 4dr SUV 310-horsepower 5.6L V8
5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range		 The fun of a V8 in a 5k+ lb vehicle had its penalties. Admittedly heavy on the gas, I averaged 13mpg in town and was lucky if I obtained 18mpg on long trips cruising at a steady 75mph. Manual said Premium fuel was recommended but regular worked fine. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2008 4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6
5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 When compared to the other engines in its class the truck has less than average fuel economy. but with 266 horsepower and 6000lb towing that is to be expected. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2003 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range		 13-14 mpg is real in city conditions because of 4 speed auto. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2003 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 16MPG city, 19-20 MPG highway leaves much to be desired. Changing the spark plugs every 100,000km (well ahead of the suggested interval) makes a large difference, but economy is still lacking. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2002 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 What can you say--it's powerful, heavy and not very efficient by todays standards. Still given my current millage of 10,000 Km/year, it's not a good enough reason to trade the vehicle. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2002 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6
4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range		 Compared to more fuel efficient SUVs, it is rather low. But is OK for what it is. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2016 Nothing has improved more with the Mazda MX-5 Miata's latest redesign than its fuel economy. The 2015 managed only 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway in the EPA's tests, disappointing for such a light car powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine. The new car tests much better: 27/34 with a manual transmission and 27/36 with an automatic. The MINI Cooper S Roadster was about equally efficient when equipped with a manual transmission (26/35), a little short with an automatic (25/34). The new MINI Convertible, if it shares the Hardtop's EPA ratings, won't be as efficient with a manual transmission (23/33) but will be as competitive as its predecessor with an automatic (26/33). The Scion FR-S barely out-economizes the old Miata with a manual (22/30) but is just a couple mpg short of the new one with an automatic (25/34). Premium fuel is recommended in all of these cars. The new Miata can use regular unleaded at the cost of some responsiveness. In my real-world driving of the new Miata with an automatic transmission the trip computer reported a suburban average around 30 mpg. On a 60-mph highway the average can reach 40, about 4 mpg better than a Scion FR-S and 5 mpg better than a MINI JCW Clubman, both tested with manual transmissions. Drive at 75 mph with the top down, though, and the reported average will fall to 34 mpg. The largest fuel economy advantage over the Scion FR-S appeared when both were flogged along Ohio's Route 26. The Scion's fuel economy dipped into the high teens, but the Mazda's only into the mid-20s. The most likely reason: the torquier, far less peaky Mazda engine doesn't have to be revved nearly as high to reach its sweet spot. The JCW Clubman, its turbo reducing the need for fuel-guzzling runs to the red line, fell between the two with a "spirited driving" average around 20 mpg. Overall, with the redesign the Miata's fuel economy has gone from worst to first. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
Mazda MX-5 Miata Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearComment
The first four "why nots" shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. This one might. I didn't ding the MX-5 Miata's engine for its power output, but I am going to ding it for its fuel input. While EPA ratings of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg are hardly abysmal, the FR-S does better (22/30) and a 315-horsepower Porsche Boxster S does about as well (20/28). With one of Mazda's new SKYACTIV engines, the Miata would go much farther on a gallon of gas. (The 2,900-pound Mazda3 is rated 27/39.) But this engine won't happen until the Miata is again redesigned. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5 Miata Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Good enough to drive for fun and not worry about the cost. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2008 2dr Convertible 158-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 I average 28mpg city and about 32 highway, and I have an uncontrollable lead foot in this car. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 The MX-5 always seemed to be great on gas, no matter how hard you flogged it, top up or top down. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 I average about 8.5 L/100 km, so even though it uses Premium fue, it only costs about $40 to drive as much as 475km. This is with gas at about $1.20 a litre. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 a very cheap car to run see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 To date gas millage has never gone under 30mph and has gone to almost 39mph. And this has not been driving it EASY. Like I said before, it is a FUN FUN FUN Car. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2006 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Great fuel economy for a sporty car. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2005 2dr Convertible turbocharged 178hp 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 Excellent mileage. I get 36mpg on normal highway cruises and about 28mpg in town. When I go to the race track, I run around 22-24 mpg. If you are really savvy, this car burns about 2 gallons an hour! So cheap to keep on the road. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 Never thirstier than 10.5 l/100 km, even during autocross. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
5-speed manual RWD		 30-35 MPG....easy question these days. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review
Mazda MX-5 Miata Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2003 2dr Convertible 142-horsepower 1.8L I4
6-speed manual RWD		 For a small (size of a subcompact) 4-cylinder stick shift, it only gets around 28 mpg highway...my 6-cylinder Honda Accord got 30+. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review