No one enjoys overpaying for gas, and fortunately, Mazda's engineering makes it easier than ever to save. The 2023 lineup includes a host of road-ready models with impressive EPA stats. Read on for Bountiful Mazda's breakdown of fuel efficiency, plus the details on the 2023 Mazda models with the best gas mileage.

Who Determines Fuel Efficiency Ratings?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the government agency responsible for protecting the planet and minimizing pollution, tests vehicles each year to determine their official fuel rating. This group executes a series of carefully designed tests to determine each model's gas mileage on highways, stop-and-start city roads, and overall, which combines the two ratings. The EPA tests cars in a variety of configurations, such as with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, so consumers can understand how different available options affect the vehicle's fuel economy.

How to Optimize Fuel Efficiency

While a vehicle's engineering and design affect its fuel efficiency, there are also choices a driver can make to ensure their car is as efficient as possible. If you're looking for ways to save at the pump and lower your environmental impact, here are some best practices when behind the wheel of your Mazda:

• Opt for longer trips: Cars reach their highest efficiency when you're driving long distances with minimal stops. Stopping and starting your car often uses more gas, so minimizing short trips in high-traffic areas, like busy cities, could lower your gas bill.
• Drive with a gentle touch: Aggressive acceleration, fast speeds, and last-minute braking can be safety hazards on the road. They also eat at your fuel efficiency, so try to drive defensively and smoothly to optimize your gas usage.
• Steady your speed: Keeping a stable pace whenever possible makes your vehicle more efficient. When you raise and lower your speed constantly and barrel against heightened wind resistance, it takes more gas to propel you forward.
• Only bring necessary cargo: The more weight your vehicle is carrying, the more gas it needs to use. It can help to get into the habit of clearing heavy items you're not using from your car, like luggage, work supplies, and bicycle racks.
• Coast toward traffic lights: Many people recommend taking your foot off the gas pedal as you approach a traffic light and gradually lowering your speed, or "coasting". This saves you the gas that braking requires.
• Stick to your maintenance schedule: Taking your car to trusted technicians to perform regular maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, improves your car's fuel efficiency. When you go without these services for too long, you'll notice sluggish performance and poor gas mileage, so it's best to abide by your manufacturer's recommended service schedule.

Benefits of Fuel Efficiency

Here are some reasons that fuel efficiency should be a priority for car buyers:

• Lower environmental impact: If you want to do your part to minimize pollution and promote clean air, a fuel-efficient car emits less carbon dioxide into the air. If you're not in the market for a hybrid or electric vehicle but still want to go green on your daily commute, a fuel-efficient car with a gas engine can be a smart compromise.
• Savings on gas: Gas prices can be unpredictable, and we all want to minimize the amount we spend to get around every day. Fuel efficiency helps you pinch pennies at the pump by fueling up on gas less often.
• Benefits the economy: Oil has a serious effect on global and national economies. Reducing oil dependence by using less gas contributes to a healthy economy, which benefits you and your neighbors.

What Are Mazda's Most Fuel-Efficient 2023 Models?

Mazda 3 Sedan

The 2023 Mazda 3 offers the best fuel ratings in the 2023 lineup, but the exact data depends on the configuration you choose. Sedan models of this sleek and stylish vehicle top the list in fuel efficiency. When equipped with front-wheel drive, this stylish sedan gets 37 mph on the highway, 28 mpg in the city, and 31 mpg combined. With city figures that high, this head-turning sedan is a great pick for city-dwellers who want a vehicle that doesn't skimp on looks or efficiency. With all-wheel drive, it gets 35 highway mpg, 26 city mpg and 30 combined mpg.

Outside of its fuel economy, the 2023 Mazda 3 Sedan offers a smooth performance that handles bends, turns, and curves well, plus a turbocharged engine option for drivers who prefer perky acceleration. It also comes equipped with a luxe interior that prioritizes comfort and style. Opt for one of the higher trims if you want top-notch materials, like plush leather, and touches like heated seats.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The hatchback edition of the Mazda 3 isn't far behind its top-rated sedan sibling. The front-wheel drive configurations earn 36 mpg on the highway, 26 mpg in the city, and 30 mpg combined. Figures drop to 33 mpg on the highway, 26 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg combined if you opt for all-wheel drive.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback shares much of the sedan's signature elegant styling but with a rounded hatchback frame. Interior comforts abound in the hatchback, comparable to those in the sedan. The hallmark of the sedan configuration is its easily accessible trunk, which holds sports equipment, bags for weekend getaways, and groceries without hassle. 

Mazda MX-5

Maybe you're looking for something sportier and bolder, fit for cruising. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers the vintage charms of a classic sports car with fuel efficiency ratings only modern engineering can deliver. It's another one of the top picks in the 2023 Mazda lineup for fuel efficiency. It's available with a manual or automatic transmission. The manual option wins, with 35 highway mpg and 26 city mph, but the automatic trails close behind, offering 34 highway mpg and 26 city mpg.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a fan-favorite sports car with clever engineering that makes it a blast to drive. Punchy performance and a small but practical trunk make the 2023 Miata a great pick for weekend warriors who love a quick getaway. It's minimal on the inside, with fewer comforts and much less room for lounging than the Mazda 3, though.If you're ready to cut your gas bill without sacrificing on style, find a fuel-efficient Mazda in Davis County with the help of Bountiful Mazda. Our Bountiful, Utah, dealership has these economical new Mazda models and more. Contact us today to schedule a visit with one of our helpful team members, and together, we'll find you the best Mazda for your money.