2018 Mazda CX-3 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

- Attractive and comfortable interior
- Engaging driving experience
- Impressive fuel economy for a crossover
- Good selection of available driver aids and active safety features
- Below-average cargo space
- Tight rear seat
- Suspension tuning may be too firm for some
What’s new
Vehicle overview
For its third year, the Mazda CX-3 receives a handful of updates that improve on some of its best characteristics. In past years, we praised the CX-3 for being the most enjoyable vehicle in the subcompact crossover SUV segment to drive. For 2018, revisions to the suspension tuning promise an even sharper driving experience. There's also more sound insulation and added low-speed crash protection in the form of a standard automatic emergency braking system. And just like last year, the 2018 CX-3 also boasts an upscale interior, comfortable seats and high fuel economy.
The CX-3 does have a few shortcomings, though, such as a cramped back seat and below-average cargo capacity. If interior space is a priority for you, you might prefer the more versatile Honda HR-V. You could also check out the Jeep Renegade or Subaru Crosstrek for superior off-road capability. All in all, though, we think the CX-3 is a pretty appealing package.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Mazda CX-3 as one of Edmunds' Best Small SUVs for 2018.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.7 / 10Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring (2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).
Since this test was conducted, the current Mazda CX-3 has received some revisions, including updated suspension tuning, a quieter cabin and additional standard safety features. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Mazda CX-3, however.
Scorecard
Overall | 7.7 / 10 |
Driving | 8.5 |
Comfort | 7.5 |
Interior | 6.5 |
Utility | 6.0 |
Driving
8.5Acceleration
7.5Braking
8.5Steering
8.5Handling
8.5Drivability
8.0Off-road
7.0Comfort
7.5Seat comfort
8.5Ride comfort
6.5Noise & vibration
7.5Climate control
Interior
6.5Ease of use
5.0Getting in/getting out
7.5Roominess
7.0Visibility
7.0Quality
9.0Utility
6.0Technology
Which CX-3 does Edmunds recommend?
2018 Mazda CX-3 models
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The base Sport trim is actually nicely equipped, especially considering its price, but moving up through the trim levels gets you some desirable conveniences and nice luxuries. All trims rely on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (146 horsepower, 146 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
The CX-3 Sport comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, air-conditioning, push-button start, cruise control, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a USB input, app integration (including Pandora, Stitcher and Aha) and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. Standard safety features on the base Sport trim include a rearview camera and Mazda's Smart City Brake Support System, which will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision as long as the CX-3 is traveling at less than 19 mph.
Moving up to the Touring trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights and automatic wipers. The interior is upgraded with cloth and faux leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity entry, automatic climate control and an overhead console with a sunglass holder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard on the CX-3 Touring.
The top-tier Grand Touring gets a sunroof, LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, foglights, daytime running lights), leather-trimmed seats with simulated suede inserts, a head-up display, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, navigation, and a seven-speaker Bose sound system with satellite radio.
The Grand Touring's sunroof and Bose stereo can be added to the Touring with the Preferred Equipment package. The Grand Touring can be upgraded with the Premium Package, which includes adaptive cruise control, higher-speed forward collision warning and automatic braking, lane departure warning, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, driver-seat memory settings, a heated steering wheel and a traffic-sign recognition system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Mazda CX-3.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
Our experts like the CX-3 models:
- Smart City Brake Support System
- Stops the car automatically if an impending collision is detected at speeds below 19 mph.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Monitors traffic in the adjoining lanes and alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Alerts the driver to oncoming cars that may not be visible when backing out of a driveway or parking space.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 stars- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13.8%
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 Overview
The Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 is offered in the following submodels: CX-3 SUV. Available styles include Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Touring 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A), and Grand Touring 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A). Pre-owned Mazda CX-3 models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 146 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2018 Mazda CX-3?
Price comparisons for Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 trim styles:
- The Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport is priced between $19,990 and$23,590 with odometer readings between 17286 and75672 miles.
- The Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 Touring is priced between $22,990 and$25,998 with odometer readings between 10130 and61499 miles.
- The Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring is priced between $22,998 and$27,590 with odometer readings between 21060 and58270 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2018 Mazda CX-3S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Mazda CX-3 for sale near. There are currently 22 used and CPO 2018 CX-3S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $19,990 and mileage as low as 10130 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2018 Mazda CX-3.
Can't find a used 2018 Mazda CX-3s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Mazda CX-3 for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Mazda CX-3?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mazda lease specials
Check out Mazda CX-3 lease specials
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