2021 Mazda CX-3
MSRP range: $20,790 - $22,190 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
7.7/10
Edmunds Rating
Mazda has gone to great lengths to give the CX-3 a premium look and feel that's beyond the norm. It has first-rate steering, praiseworthy handling and ride quality, and a cabin that looks grown-up. Though the CX-3 is shy on cargo and rear-seat space, its style and value might just make up for that.
Year:
| Total MSRP | $21,965 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $21,804 |
Shoppers in your area are saving an average of $161 off MSRP.
What Should I Pay
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2021 Mazda CX-3 Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Attractive and comfortable interior
- Engaging driving experience
- Impressive fuel economy
- Good selection of driver aids and active safety features
Cons
- Below-average cargo space
- Cramped rear seat
- Suspension tuning could be too firm for some
What's new
- Forward collision warning system can now detect pedestrians at night
- Part of the first CX-3 generation introduced for 2016
Most automakers sell a single model in each SUV category these days. But do some research on Mazda and you'll find it sells a pair of extra-small SUVs: the CX-3 and the CX-30. So what's the difference? Well, both models exhibit the brand's penchant for sleek styling, exciting driving dynamics and upscale interior design. But ever since Mazda introduced the CX-30 last year, the CX-3 has taken more of a supporting role.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$144/mo
CX-3 Sport
vs
$200/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
As the new star, the CX-30 has a more modern and high-tech interior as well as a more diverse trim lineup. As it stands, the 2021 CX-3 is only available in a single, albeit well-equipped, trim level. The only option — besides color choice — is all-wheel drive. We still like the CX-3. It's less expensive and more generously equipped than the base CX-30. But if you want a more up-to-date vehicle, the CX-30 is the way to go.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.7/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Mazda has gone to great lengths to give the CX-3 a premium look and feel that's beyond the norm. It has first-rate steering, praiseworthy handling and ride quality, and a cabin that looks grown-up. Though the CX-3 is shy on cargo and rear-seat space, its style and value might just make up for that.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Compare dealer price quotes
2021 Mazda CX-3 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Sport
2.0L 4cyl 6A
Edmunds suggests you pay$21,804
Which CX-3 does Edmunds recommend?
The CX-3's nonexistent options list makes it pretty easy to pick which one you want off a dealer lot. The only choices to make are exterior paint selection and whether you'd like all-wheel drive.
Mazda CX-3 models
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact SUV sold in a single Sport trim level with your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. It is driven by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 146 lb-ft of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $21,965
- MPG & Fuel
- 29 City / 34 Hwy / 31 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.7 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 168.3 in. / Height: 60.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 69.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 2851 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.8 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite CX-3 safety features:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Warns if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and beeps if you signal a lane change in that direction.
- Smart Brake Support
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond in time.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
Mazda CX-3 vs. the competition
2021 Mazda CX-3
2021 Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-3 vs. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 effectively replaced the CX-3 when it came out for 2020. The subcompact CX-30's entry-level trim is a little more expensive than the CX-3, and the two share a similar level of content. The true differences manifest at the CX-30's higher trim levels, which offer features you can't get on the CX-3, such as heated seats and leather upholstery. There's even a peppy turbocharged engine on the options list. If you have the extra budget, the CX-30 is the way to go.
Mazda CX-3 vs. Honda HR-V
The HR-V offers the one thing the CX-3 doesn't: a roomy, passenger-friendly interior. The cabin of the HR-V is spacious enough that four adults can fit without squeezing. A range of rear seat configurations make for excellent storage space too. The choice really comes down to whether you like the style and excellent handling of the CX-3 more than the HR-V's practicality.
Mazda CX-3 vs. Toyota CH-R
One of the most evocative vehicles in the small SUV segment is the Toyota C-HR. The C-HR lives and dies by its aggressively styled exterior, which forces a compromise on cargo space and interior room. These downsides, along with an anemic engine and front-wheel-drive-only powertrain, keep it from fully rivaling the CX-3.
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FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 CX-3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CX-3 has 17.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mazda CX-3. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Mazda CX-3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mazda CX-3:
- Forward collision warning system can now detect pedestrians at night
- Part of the first CX-3 generation introduced for 2016
Is the Mazda CX-3 reliable?
To determine whether the Mazda CX-3 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CX-3. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CX-3's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 CX-3 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 CX-3 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mazda CX-3?
The least-expensive 2021 Mazda CX-3 is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $20,790.
Other versions include:
- Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $20,790
- Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $22,190
What are the different models of Mazda CX-3?
If you're interested in the Mazda CX-3, the next question is, which CX-3 model is right for you? CX-3 variants include Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A), and Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A). For a full list of CX-3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
