Why your 2020 Mazda CX-3 gets lower MPG than EPA
Your 2020 Mazda CX-3 returns less MPG than EPA ratings because lab tests do not match real-world drives. EPA rates front-wheel drive (FWD) models at 31 mpg combined and all-wheel drive (AWD) at 29 mpg combined. Many owners report 28 to 32 mpg in mixed driving. Factors like speed, cold weather, short trips, traffic, hills, extra weight, and low tire pressure cut mileage by 5 to 15 percent each.
EPA numbers vs real world
EPA tests blend city and highway in a lab with steady speeds and no wind. Real trips add idling, quick stops, weather changes, and loads. This gap hits your pump totals.
| Drivetrain | EPA City | EPA Highway | EPA Combined | Real-World Typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 29 mpg | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 to 33 mpg |
| AWD | 27 mpg | 32 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 to 31 mpg |
Key factors that drop MPG
- Speed: Cruise at 75 mph instead of 65 mph and lose 10 to 15 percent.
- Short trips: Rides under 5 miles keep the engine cold. MPG drops 15 to 25 percent in winter.
- Cold weather: Temps below 40°F cut 5 to 10 percent from warm-up time and thick fluids.
- Traffic: Stop-and-go driving lowers MPG 10 to 20 percent versus steady highway flow.
- Tire pressure: Each 1 psi below spec costs 0.2 percent.
- Weight and drag: Add 100 pounds and lose 1 to 2 percent. A roof box cuts highway MPG 5 to 15 percent.
- A/C use: In city drives, A/C drops MPG 5 to 10 percent.
- Maintenance: Dirty air filters, worn plugs, bad alignment, or dragging brakes steal over 10 percent.
Steps to boost your CX-3 MPG
- Check tire pressure monthly to the door label spec, often 35 psi cold. Do it before long trips.
- Stay at 65 to 70 mph on highways. Use cruise control in light traffic.
- Accelerate smooth and brake early to cut hard stops.
- Group errands for longer, warmer trips. Skip many cold starts.
- Ditch unused roof racks or heavy items. Each 100 pounds costs 1 to 2 percent.
- Stay current on oil changes, air filters, and alignments. Swap spark plugs near 75,000 miles.
- Stick to 87 octane gas. Premium offers no MPG gain here.
- In cold weather, idle 30 seconds then drive easy. Long idles burn fuel.
If MPG stays 15 percent below EPA over several tanks, scan for brake drag, flat tires, or error codes.
Small habits add up fast. Sidekick tracks your MPG per trip and spots fuel-wasting patterns.