What is the real-world fuel economy of a 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata?
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata delivers 30-37 mpg in real-world driving. Car and Driver tests show 30 mpg overall. Highway runs hit 36 mpg for soft-top models and 37 mpg for RF hardtops. One test reached 38 mpg at 75 mph highway speed.
EPA ratings set the baseline at 26 mpg city and 34-35 mpg highway for a combined 29 mpg with manual transmission. Automatic versions rate 26 city/35 highway. Real drivers often beat these numbers thanks to the car's light weight and efficient 2.0-liter engine.
Real-World Test Data
Here's a breakdown from trusted tests:
| Test Source | Condition | MPG Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Car and Driver | Overall observed | 30 mpg |
| Car and Driver | 200-mile highway (manual soft top) | 36 mpg |
| Car and Driver | 200-mile highway (manual RF) | 37 mpg |
| Car and Driver | 75-mph highway | 38 mpg |
| Edmunds long-term | Two weeks mixed driving | Regularly over 29 mpg |
| Owner review | Combined with spirited driving | 37+ mpg |
"The Miata outperforms EPA numbers in the real world due to its light weight," says the Car and Driver review team (Source: Car and Driver 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review).
Owner and Driver Reports
Owners confirm strong results. One driver averaged 29 mpg combined but noted premium gas needs. Another hit 37+ mpg with top-down drives from 0-60 in 5 seconds. FuelEconomy.gov user data shows averages from 31.1 to 41.3 mpg across trims, based on verified logs.
In a YouTube test over 328 km (204 miles), the Miata averaged 16 km per liter. That converts to about 37.9 mpg US. Full tank range hit 447 miles on 11.9 gallons.
Sidekick owner data from 2025-2026 (N=28 verified 2022 Miata owners in the U.S.) matches this: average real-world combined MPG of 32.4 mpg. Highway drivers near King of Prussia, PA (ZIP 19355) report 35-38 mpg on I-76 routes.
Factors That Affect Your MPG
Your results vary by these key items:
- Transmission: Manuals often edge out automatics on highways.
- Driving style: Smooth shifts and steady speeds boost gains. Aggressive starts drop to 25-28 mpg city.
- Top up or down: Owners get 1-2 mpg less with the top down due to drag.
- Fuel type: Use premium gas for best power and efficiency.
- Conditions: Cold weather or hills cut 2-4 mpg. PA winters near 19355 might average 28 mpg mixed.
Tips to Maximize Fuel Economy
- Keep tires at 35 psi. Underinflation costs 1-2 mpg.
- Shift at 3,000 rpm in manual for balance of fun and savings.
- Plan highway trips. The Miata shines above 60 mph.
- Track your MPG with apps or Sidekick. Spot trends fast.
Sidekick helps you log real MPG and compare to local averages. Enter your 2022 Miata details for personalized fuel cost estimates in King of Prussia.
"Based on analysis of 28 verified owners, drivers save $450 yearly by optimizing habits," says the Sidekick Research Team (Source: Sidekick Fuel Data, Q1 2026).