Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $850 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mazda 3 leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Midsize Cars · 136 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg | 33 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 25 mpg | 30 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 40 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,700 | $1,850 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 115 g/mi ✓ | 266 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV | SIDI, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; Without Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85 | Regular |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 136 | 97 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
E-Class vs 3: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the Mazda 3?
The Mazda 3 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 33 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $850 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mazda 3 runs about $1,850 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,700 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class — a difference of roughly $850 per year.
What engines do the E-Class and 3 offer?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV. Mazda 3: SIDI, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; Without Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Mazda 3 as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
More E-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-e-class-vs-mazda-3