I got 45 mpg from Galveston to Houston on one trip, About 60 to 65 mph. Another round trip from Houston to San Antonio netted about the same. It was summer trips, so as someone mentioned winter blends are worse on mileage, which I never knew before because it never seemed to affect the 626.
I have no mods, just completely stock. I have always exceeded the mpg rating on all my mazdas. My 85 GLC hatchback was rated 38mpg highway. I usually got about 45, sometimes up to 48.
Here is a pic of my dash after my galveston trip.
When I first drove the CX-5 2.0, with the manual transmission. I knew this is not a fast car. But after living with it, I am sorry to see mazda drop the 2.0. The quick steering, great shifter, and suspension and handling more than make up for not being as fast as some cars out there. But I do find with less power I have a more relaxing drive. I know when I get on the street, there are people out there that will fool with you. With this car I will not be winning any races, so I get step aside.
I then get to enjoy my music and shifting. I dont drive fast, but I have taken interchanges in Houston a little too fast for comfort. There is one I10 east, to 59 north that is a little deceiving. You need to slow down for it. The first time I took it a little fast, and just pointed the CX-5 in the direction I needed, and the suspension must have done something and put the car right where it was supposed to be. I have never seen a barrier so banged up from cars crashing into it.