2021 Mazda CX-3 Review

Name: 2021 Mazda CX-3 Review
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $16,921 - $20,998

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

2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV Front Badge

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.

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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. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

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

Overview

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 Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (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 $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$117/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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.

Comfort

8/10

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.

Interior

8.5/10

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.

Technology

7.5/10

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.

Storage

6.5/10

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.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

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.

Value

8/10

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

8/10

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?

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.

2021 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.

Sport
Standard features include:

16-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Automatic wipers
Keyless entry and ignition
Automatic climate control
Height-adjustable driver's seat
7-inch touchscreen with dial controller
Six-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mazda and the car in front)

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#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

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda CX-3 from 2008-2022.}

$370/yr

vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.47x/yr

vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.9%

vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Mazda CX-3.

5 (72%)

4 (13%)

3 (3%)

2 (6%)

1 (6%)

4.4

32 reviews

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Most helpful consumer 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 32 reviews of the Mazda CX-3

Write a vehicle review

2021 CX-3 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$20,790
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$117/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

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2021 Mazda CX-3 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (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 $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which CX-3 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Mazda CX-3 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

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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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (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 $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}