2012 Mazda 3 Gas Tank Size & Fuel Capacity
Fuel tank capacity
14.5–15.9gal · 55–60 L
The 2012 Mazda 3 has a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 to 15.9 gallons (55–60 liters), depending on the trim. The most common size is 14.5 gallons, used on 11 trims.
A full tank is good for roughly 445–580 highway miles or 318–406 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.
15.9 gal · Smaller than 80% of 2012 models we list.
- By trim
- Gas cap & parts
- Fuel essentials
- Miles per tank
- Fill-up cost
- Other years
- Compared
- Pump & gauge parts
- FAQ
2012 Mazda 3 fuel tank capacity by trim
What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table
- Engine
All 19 trims
MPG and range are city / highway.
| Trim | Engine | Drive | Tank | MPG city / hwy | Range city / hwy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV-G 2.0L 4cyl 6A · FWD MPG 28 / 39Range 406 / 566 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 6A | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 28 / 39 | 406 / 566 mi | |
| i Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G 2.0L 4cyl 6A · FWD MPG 28 / 40Range 406 / 580 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 6A | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 28 / 40 | 406 / 580 mi | |
| i SV 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl 5M · FWD MPG 25 / 33Range 363 / 479 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 5M | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 25 / 33 | 363 / 479 mi | |
| i Sport 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl 5A · FWD MPG 24 / 33Range 348 / 479 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 5A | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 24 / 33 | 348 / 479 mi | |
| i Sport 4dr Sedan 2.0L 4cyl 5M · FWD MPG 25 / 33Range 363 / 479 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 5M | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 25 / 33 | 363 / 479 mi | |
| i Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV-G 2.0L 4cyl 6A · FWD MPG 28 / 39Range 406 / 566 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 6A | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 28 / 39 | 406 / 566 mi | |
| i Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV-G 2.0L 4cyl 6M · FWD MPG 27 / 38Range 392 / 551 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 6M | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 27 / 38 | 392 / 551 mi | |
| i Touring 4dr Sedan (built to 09/11) 2.0L 4cyl 5A · FWD MPG 24 / 33Range 348 / 479 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 5A | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 24 / 33 | 348 / 479 mi | |
| i Touring 4dr Sedan (built to 09/11) 2.0L 4cyl 5M · FWD MPG 25 / 33Range 363 / 479 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 5M | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 25 / 33 | 363 / 479 mi | |
| i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G 2.0L 4cyl 6A · FWD MPG 28 / 40Range 406 / 580 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 6A | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 28 / 40 | 406 / 580 mi | |
| i Touring 4dr Sedan w/SKYACTIV-G 2.0L 4cyl 6M · FWD MPG 27 / 39Range 392 / 566 mi | 2.0L 4cyl 6M | FWD | 14.5 gal55 L | 27 / 39 | 392 / 566 mi | |
| s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback 2.5L 4cyl 5A · FWD MPG 22 / 29Range 350 / 461 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 5A | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 22 / 29 | 350 / 461 mi | |
| s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback 2.5L 4cyl 6M · FWD MPG 20 / 28Range 318 / 445 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 6M | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 20 / 28 | 318 / 445 mi | |
| s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl 5A · FWD MPG 22 / 29Range 350 / 461 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 5A | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 22 / 29 | 350 / 461 mi | |
| s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl 6M · FWD MPG 20 / 28Range 318 / 445 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 6M | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 20 / 28 | 318 / 445 mi | |
| s Touring 4dr Hatchback 2.5L 4cyl 5A · FWD MPG 22 / 29Range 350 / 461 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 5A | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 22 / 29 | 350 / 461 mi | |
| s Touring 4dr Hatchback 2.5L 4cyl 6M · FWD MPG 20 / 28Range 318 / 445 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 6M | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 20 / 28 | 318 / 445 mi | |
| s Touring 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl 5A · FWD MPG 22 / 29Range 350 / 461 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 5A | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 22 / 29 | 350 / 461 mi | |
| s Touring 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl 6M · FWD MPG 20 / 28Range 318 / 445 mi | 2.5L 4cyl 6M | FWD | 15.9 gal60 L | 20 / 28 | 318 / 445 mi | |
| No trim matches all of these filters. | ||||||
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 2012 Mazda 3 goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 25 MPG, a full 15.9-gallon tank covers about 398 miles.
| Gauge | Gallons | Highway miles | City miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 15.9 | 461 | 350 |
| 3/4 | 11.9 | 346 | 262 |
| 1/2 | 8.0 | 231 | 175 |
| 1/4 | 4.0 | 115 | 87 |
| 1/8 | 2.0 | 58 | 44 |
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 600 gallons, roughly 38 full tanks.
In real driving: owners who log fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 34.9 MPG in the 3 (18 drivers), about 555 miles on a full 15.9-gallon tank.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
- EPA combined
- 23–32 MPG
- Tailpipe CO2
- 278–386 g/mi
- Source
- EPA ratings
What it costs to fill up a 2012 Mazda 3
$61.91 to fill the 14.5-gallon tank from empty with regular, at this week's US average of $4.27 a gallon.
| Tank | Fuel | US avg / gal | From empty | From 1/4 tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14.5 gal | Regular | $4.27 | $61.91 | $46.44 |
| 15.9 gal | Regular | $4.27 | $67.89 | $50.92 |
By region, 14.5-gallon tank
| Region | Regular / gal | Fill from empty |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | $4.02 | $58.29 |
| Midwest | $4.27 | $61.91 |
| Gulf CoastLowest | $3.70 | $53.65 |
| Rocky Mountain | $4.46 | $64.67 |
| West Coast | $5.42 | $78.59 |
| CaliforniaHighest | $5.89 | $85.41 |
Prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail averages for the week of October 26, 2026. This week's prices by state and city.
Your own price
- 14.5-gallon tank$61.91
- 15.9-gallon tank$67.89
- A year of driving (15,000 mi)$2,562
Starts at the US average for regular; type in what your station charges. For other tank sizes, use the fill-up calculator.
3 tank size in other years
The 2012 3 uses the same 14.5–15.9 gal tank sizes as every 3 since 2010.
| Model year | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 3 | 13.2 gal | 488 mi |
| 2016 3 | 13.2 gal | 541 mi |
| 2015 3 | 13.2 gal | 541 mi |
| 2014 3 | 13.2 gal | 541 mi |
| 2013 3 | 14.5–15.9 gal | 580 mi |
| 2012 3 | 14.5–15.9 gal | 580 mi |
| 2011 3 | 14.5–15.9 gal | 479 mi |
| 2010 3 | 14.5–15.9 gal | 479 mi |
| 2009 3 | 14.5 gal | 464 mi |
| 2008 3 | 14.5 gal | 464 mi |
| 2007 3 | 14.5 gal | 464 mi |
2012 Mazda 3 vs similar 2012 sedans
The 3 has the largest tank of the seven 2012 sedans compared here, 15.9 gallons against 15.6 for the Buick Verano.
| 2012 model | Tank | Longest highway range |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda 3 | 14.5–15.9 gal | 580 mi |
| Buick Verano | 15.6 gal | 499 mi |
| Mitsubishi Lancer | 14.5–15.5 gal | 527 mi |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 14.5 gal | 609 mi |
| Toyota Corolla | 13.2 gal | 449 mi |
| Honda Civic | 13.2 gal | 581 mi |
| Ford Focus | 12.4 gal | 459 mi |
Other 2012 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
2012 Mazda 3 fuel pump and gauge parts
These are the part numbers the makers list for the 2012 Mazda 3. Check the fuel system recalls first: recall repairs are free.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Mazda 3?
The 2012 Mazda 3 holds between 14.5 and 15.9 gallons, depending on the trim. 14.5 gallons is the usual size; the 15.9-gallon tank comes on the s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 5A).
How many gallons and liters does the 2012 Mazda 3 gas tank hold?
The 2012 Mazda 3 tank holds 55–60 liters, or 14.5–15.9 gallons in US gallons.
Which 2012 Mazda 3 has the biggest gas tank?
The 15.9-gallon tank is on the s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback, s Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback, s Grand Touring 4dr Sedan and 5 other trims. The smallest tank, 14.5 gallons, is on the i Grand Touring 4dr Hatchback w/SKYACTIV-G.
How far can a 2012 Mazda 3 go on a full tank?
About 445–580 miles on the highway and 318–406 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 2012 Mazda 3 go on a quarter tank?
About 115 highway miles or 87 in town from the 15.9-gallon tank, which has roughly 4.0 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
How many miles does a 2012 Mazda 3 really get on a tank?
Drivers who log their fill-ups at fueleconomy.gov average 34.9 MPG in the 2012 Mazda 3 (18 drivers), which works out to about 555 miles on a full 15.9-gallon tank.
What gas does the 2012 Mazda 3 take?
Regular unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2012 Mazda 3?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 14.5-gallon tank from empty costs $61.91. It ranges from $53.65 in the Gulf Coast to $85.41 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2012 Mazda 3?
About 99 pounds for the 15.9-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 2012 Mazda 3 have a bigger gas tank than the Mitsubishi Lancer?
Yes. The 2012 Mazda 3 holds up to 15.9 gallons; the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer holds up to 15.5.
Sources
- Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
- MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
- Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).
- Real-world MPG: driver-reported fill-ups shared at fueleconomy.gov (My MPG).
Does your owner's manual say something different? Let us know and we'll fix it. More on how we check the numbers.