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 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 18 MPG, a full 16.9-gallon tank covers about 304 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
16.9
372
270
3/4
12.7
279
203
1/2
8.5
186
135
1/4
4.2
93
68
1/8
2.1
46
34
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 833 gallons, roughly 49 full tanks.
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.
At 16.9 gallons, the RX-8's largest tank ranks second of the five 2009 coupes compared here. The Nissan 370Z carries the most (19.0 gal) and the Pontiac G5 the least (13.0 gal).
Other 2009 coupes of a similar size, one model per brand.
2009 Mazda RX-8 fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2009 Mazda RX-8, out of 4 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Delivery · Fuel pumpSep 24, 2021 · NHTSA 21V744000 · Mazda North American Operations · 13,891 vehicles
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings. Dealers will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5121I.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 Mazda RX-8?
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 holds 16.9 gallons (64 liters) on every trim we list.
How many gallons and liters does the 2009 Mazda RX-8 gas tank hold?
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 tank holds 64 liters, or 16.9 gallons in US gallons.
How far can a 2009 Mazda RX-8 go on a full tank?
About 372–389 miles on the highway and 270 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 2009 Mazda RX-8 go on a quarter tank?
About 93 highway miles or 68 in town from the 16.9-gallon tank, which has roughly 4.2 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 2009 Mazda RX-8 take?
Premium unleaded (required). The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2009 Mazda RX-8?
At the US average of $5.28 a gallon for premium (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 16.9-gallon tank from empty costs $89.23. It ranges from $77.23 in the Gulf Coast to $107.48 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2009 Mazda RX-8?
About 105 pounds for the 16.9-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 2009 Mazda RX-8 have a bigger gas tank than the Chevrolet Cobalt?
Yes. The 2009 Mazda RX-8 holds up to 16.9 gallons; the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt holds up to 13.0.
Has the 2009 Mazda RX-8 had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2009 Mazda RX-8: 21V744000 (delivery · fuel pump). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
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).