2021 Mazda CX-3 Review

Name: 2021 Mazda CX-3
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $18,998 - $21,998

2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Mazda has gone to great lengths to give the 2021 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.

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Price & Payment

7 cars

$19,296 avg. price

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2021 Mazda CX-3 Review

by the Edmunds Experts

What's new

Forward collision warning system can now detect pedestrians at night
Part of the first CX-3 generation introduced for 2016

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$122/mo

$162/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

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Reliability

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #2 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$370/yr

vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Frequency

0.47x/yr

vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Severity

7.9%

vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV

Recalls

1 recall found

Recall Number:: 23V487000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 6023G
Number of vehicles affected:: 236100
Defect Description:: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Mazda CX-3 Owner Reviews

4.4

36 reviews

5(72%)

4(11%)

3(3%)

2(8%)

1(6%)

See all 36 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Best compact SUV by a mile

Jim, 10/17/2018

2019 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

The Mazda CX-3 handles better than any other car in its class. I test drove five other vehicles including the Mini, and the Mazda was easily the most fun to drive. My fuel economy to date has been excellent, better than expected. Seat comfort is very important to me for long trips, and once again the CX-3 provides very supportive and comfy seats that come very close to my old Volvo. Love …

Miata In CRV Wrapper

Oden Hoffer, 06/14/2019

2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

If I had to choose one car for all around purpose, light duty, good gas mileage and over all performance, this car may be the one. I like the color and the fact that it's small, easily cleans and shines well. People have gone out of their way to approach me and praise the paint color. Passengers have complimented me on the ride. More importantly, I find it a comfortable and …

What a fun to drive, safe little crossover

JTS, 12/08/2018

2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

I've owned my CX3 for several months now and I find myself enjoying the drive more and more. Sure its small but you should know that in research. Test drive it. The car fits my family needs just fine. I'm 6' 2", my wife if 5' 4" and I have a 3.5 year old. A front facing car seat provide comfortable space for my wife and daughter. That was going to be the deal breaker. I wanted a …

Happy with my choice!

Kelsey, 01/15/2019

2019 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

I chose this car because of the price (especially 0% apr), AWD and comfort while driving. I dont have kids nor much use for my back seat, so the small backseat area doesnt affect me at all, and with the seats down there can be plenty of storage space. I haven't had any problems yet with the rain or snow, and feel much safer driving in those conditions than I did in my Prius! My one …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mazda CX-3, so we've included reviews for other years of the CX-3 since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the Mazda CX-3

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2021 CX-3 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$20,790
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$122/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the CX-3 models:

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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover13.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

2021 Mazda CX-3 Review

Price & Payment

2021 Mazda CX-3 Review

What's new

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Mazda CX-3 Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Best compact SUV by a mile

Miata In CRV Wrapper

What a fun to drive, safe little crossover

Happy with my choice!

2021 CX-3 Highlights

Safety

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