2021 Mazda CX-3
| MSRP | $23,705 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $24,050 |
2021 Mazda CX-3 Review
- Attractive and comfortable interior
- Engaging driving experience
- Impressive fuel economy
- Good selection of driver aids and active safety features
- Below-average cargo space
- Cramped rear seat
- Suspension tuning could be too firm for some
- 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.
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.
Our verdict | |
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. | |
How does the CX-3 drive? | |
Power is more than adequate for typical city driving, and the CX-3 has no issues merging with highway traffic. But once up to speed, passing on the highway, or even maintaining speed on longer uphill grades, requires near maximum throttle. Despite the lack of power, the CX-3 remains one of the better SUVs to drive in the class. The CX-3's responsive steering makes it easy to guide through fast, flowing turns. But the tires howl even at very modest cornering speeds, putting a damper on how much fun you can have on a twisty road. | |
How comfortable is the CX-3? | |
The Mazda distinguishes itself in the class with a firm but compliant suspension. Body control is excellent, and everything from speed bumps to high-speed highway dips are dispatched beautifully. Likewise, broken pavement doesn't really faze the Mazda. Most people will find the front seats of the CX-3 agreeable and comfortable, though the seats come up a bit short on thigh and back support for larger-framed folks. Imperfect roads introduce a fair amount of road noise into the cabin. But that pales next to the noise the engine makes under hard acceleration. | |
How’s the interior? | |
A clean and minimalistic approach puts all controls within the driver's reach. The center display has touchscreen ability, and it's also controllable by an easy-to-use knob near the shifter. The screen thankfully doesn't wash out in sunlight. Visibility is generous when you're looking forward thanks to a low hood and thin roof pillars. Rear visibility is adequate. Front passengers enjoy a relatively spacious interior with ample shoulder and legroom as well as room around the driver's hands. Adults seated in the rear have fairly tight legroom, especially if the front passengers are tall. But children should have enough room back there. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The CX-3 is at or near the top of the class with its intuitive and flexible infotainment interface, along with driver assistance niceties such as traffic-adaptive cruise control. There's no native navigation system, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment. We prefer these alternatives to the navigation systems in other Mazdas anyway — they offer better integration with your phone and more natural voice control. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Cargo space behind the rear seats is a bit on the tight side, even for this class of vehicle. That said, folding the rear seats from the cargo area is easy to do since the latch on the seatback is within arm's length. The rear seats don't fold completely flat but still go quite low. Front passengers get bins in the center console that can double as cupholders, but not as very good ones — cans and bottles rattle about constantly. There's a tray for cellphone storage, but it's frustratingly small for the latest phones. As for child duty, the CX-3's rear car seat anchors are visible and easy to access. You'll need to slide the front seats forward a bit to fit a rear-facing safety seat, but access through the rear doors is good for installation and removal. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
The EPA estimates the front-wheel-drive CX-3 will get 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is on par with competitors from Honda and Hyundai. With all-wheel drive, that number drops to 29 mpg. On our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route, our front-wheel-drive CX-3 test vehicle returned 31 mpg. | |
Is the CX-3 a good value? | |
Most small crossovers echo their subcompact car roots with swaths of hard plastic and uninspired styling. But Mazda has decided that small vehicles don't have to look or feel inexpensive. It's easily the most premium-feeling vehicle in the class. Overall, the CX-3 easily justifies its cost. | |
Wildcard | |
We can't imagine Mazda making anything that's not fun to drive. But the meek tires don't let you get the most out of the balanced chassis. And though the CX-3 is very satisfying at low to moderate speeds, the lack of power and noisy engine squash any desire for enthusiastic driving. Both inside and out, the styling of the CX-3 is sophisticated and upmarket and without a doubt raises the bar for this class. But where other Mazdas tug at your enthusiast heartstrings, the CX-3 makes a much stronger case as a stylish, fun-to-drive urban runabout. | |
Which CX-3 does Edmunds recommend?
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.
2021 Mazda CX-3 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $22,190
- MPG & Fuel
- 27 City / 32 Hwy / 29 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all 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 with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 69.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 2994 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?
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?
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 a good car?
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 AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $22,190
- Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $20,790