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Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Mazda RX-8 MPG

Chart is based on 287 fuel economy reports for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and 202 fuel economy reports for the Mazda RX-8.

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.

Mazda RX-8 MPG

Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2010 17.1 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2009 17.5 MPG Highway Percentage 53 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2008 20.9 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2007 18.4 MPG Highway Percentage 33 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2007 22.5 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2006 19.1 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2006 17.3 MPG Highway Percentage 3 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2005 18.6 MPG Highway Percentage 60 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2004 17.5 MPG Highway Percentage 44 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2004 17.3 MPG Highway Percentage 23 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
2010 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 1 22 22 55 74 17.1  
2009 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 2 16 29 53 68 17.5  
2008 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 3 16 15 67 72 20.9  
2007 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 5 14 48 33 79 18.4  
2007 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat med light 15 24 10 51 78 22.5  
2006 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med none 9 10 13 67 66 19.1  
2006 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat med light 5 28 65 3 60 17.3  
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2005 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 6 16 18 60 77 18.6  
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 flat med light 7 25 24 44 77 17.5  
2004 4dr Coupe 197-horsepower 1.3L R2
4-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 flat lead light 42 12 23 23 70 17.3  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Mazda RX-8 fuel economy data.

Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mazda RX-8'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 Convertibles and Coupes.
See TrueDelta's information for all Mazda models.

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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8 Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 One of the big downsides of the rotary is truly horrendous fuel economy. When the RX-8 first came out in the early 2000s, its mileage ratings of 16/22 city/highway mpg (stick shift) were just barely acceptable, but there days, with many crossovers hitting more than 30 mpg on the highway, those figures are truly atrocious, especially given respectable but certainly not neck-snapping power. Futhermore, it takes premium. If you're using the RX-8 as it commuter, fuel costs will add up quickly. In my predominantly around-town driving, I typically average between 16-17 mpg. My highest recorded average was 20 mpg on a highway trip at speeds around 75 mph. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2007 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD		 The EPA numbers are way low compared with my real-world experience. The window sticker showed 18/25 and I have never seen less than 23 with my 40/60 city/highway commute. I think Mazda should develop a lean-burn economy cruise mode for this car. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2006 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 Lite bit to high consumption when I drive it in normal speed. On full woot its ok. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2005 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 Worst fuel economy in its class. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 Not that bad for what it is, but it seems to me that Mazda's Sky Active technology could help the city mileage. It just needs more R&D. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 At 16 m.p.g. on premium grade these days it could be cheaper to take a taxi. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 For a small engine displacement and a relatively light vehicle weight, the gas mileage is weak. I usualy get around 19mpg, and that does not realy matter if I am doing all city or all highway driving. I think the real problem is in the sixth gear it isnt much different than fifth gear so it does not provide good fuel economy. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 For a car with a 1.9 liter engine I would have expected better than 16-19 MPG. Get your foot into it and the numbers fall drastically. Otherwise I loved that car. It just got too small with a newborn and a big dog. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 I gets 20MPG no matter what I do. Running around 20. 1/2 highway 20. All the highway all day 25-26. I think that it could do better. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD		 16-18MPG city, 24MPG highway see full Mazda RX-8 review