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2021 Mazda CX-3
CX-3CX-3 All GenerationsNew2021Used202020192018201720162021 $20,790 - $22,190 Price Range (MSRP) 2021 Mazda CX-3 For Sale Sell Your Mazda CX-3 Cheapest New SUVs Best SUVs Under 25k Mazda SUVs Mazda Small Cars Review Exterior Interior Trims & Specs Performance Safety & Reliability 15 Photos Compare insurance prices: Save an average of $440 Free Quote 2021 Mazda CX-3 Review Fun And Frugal
by Morgan Carter Crossovers and SUVs, from subcompacts all the way through to full-size bruisers, are all the rage in the USA, and the scrappy Mazda CX-3 holds its own in this crowded and fiercely competitive segment. Since it relies on a naturally aspirated four-pot to power the wheels, it lacks the sheer power of its turbocharged competitors. However, it makes up for this with engaging handling dynamics, good fuel economy, and excellent safety ratings. It also has a decent infotainment suite and a well-built, upscale cabin. Unfortunately, the interior presents buyers with cramped rear seats and a small trunk in comparison to what similar rivals offer. Still, we are left wondering if this mixed bag of strengths and weakness along with a unique and bold design philosophy will be enough to keep winning hearts as the competition heats up and more capable crossovers continue to populate the market. Read in this review
Exterior Design 10 /10 Performance 7 /10 Fuel Economy 8 /10 Interior & Cargo 7 /10 Infotainment & Features 7 /10 Reliability 8 /10 Safety 9 /10 Value For Money 8 /10 8.0 What is BuzzScore? New 2021 Mazda CX-3 SUV Changes What s the difference vs 2020 CX-3
For the new production year, Mazda has made only the most minor of updates to its smallest crossover. The only feature that is all-new for the Mazda CX-3 is night-time pedestrian detection added to the forward collision avoidance system. However, the front badge has been updated with a more modern aesthetic and the automatic headlights now come with early lighting sensitivity so that they kick in more often. Pros and Cons
Surprisingly fun to driveGenerous list of featuresTop Safety Pick+ for 2020Frugal fuel economyUpscale cabin for the price Disappointing engine with no turbocharged optionLacks the spaciousness of more capable SUVsOnly a single trim to choose fromLittle to no customization options Best Deals on 2021 Mazda CX-3
2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport $24,500 11,102 miles Fair Deal Average price 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport $26,547 951 miles Fair Deal Average price 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport $26,970 11,664 miles Fair Deal $1,400 above 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport $25,263 21,595 miles Fair Deal Average price See All CX-3 For Sale 2021 Mazda CX-3 Trims
See trim levels and configurations: Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP) Sport 2.0L Inline-4 Gas 6-Speed Automatic Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive $20,790 See All 2021 Mazda CX-3 Trims and Specs Handling and Driving Impressions
Where the subcompact fails to impress in raw power, it more than makes up for it in handling. Its small size and responsive steering make it extremely nimble on the road and you'll never struggle to nab that tricky parking spot at the mall. Add to this its well-balanced suspension and it handles winding roads and bends with aplomb. However, much of the confidence inspired by the dynamics can be undermined by the large blind spots created by its contemporary styling. Luckily, plenty of driver-assistance features come standard to shore up this weakness. In reality, the CX-3 behaves far more like a hatchback than an actual SUV, which is actually a really good thing. It feels snug and grounded, and reacts quickly to every input with predictable reliability and accuracy. So long as you can bring yourself to overlook the lack of raw power, it is a very entertaining and engaging driver. If you're still on the fence, we'd recommended taking it for a test drive alongside some of its closest rivals to see which ticks all the boxes. Now Buzzing Electric Vehicles Tesla Cybertruck Spotted With Production-Ready Rear End Crash Watch A Seventh-Gen Toyota Hilux Truck Launch Into The Air After Losing Control Auctions One-Off Plymouth Barracuda Four-Door Is A Muscle Car Unicorn First Drive 2023 Toyota Crown First Drive Review: A Tale Of Two Hybrids Sports Cars 2023 BMW M2 Coming With Optional Center-Lock Wheels Tuning 700-Horsepower 2023 Nissan Z By AMS Performance Hits Nine-Second Quarter Mile Verdict Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 a good SUV
The Mazda CX-3 is certainly far from perfect. It offers little to no customization options, meaning there is no way to overcome some of its failings, which includes a rather basic infotainment suite and very few comforts. But even if the previously deleted upper trims were to be reintroduced, this would not change the fact that the subcompact is simply too cramped to function as a real family hauler like its competitors. It also lacks the kind of cargo space that makes crossovers and SUVs so popular in the States. However, this does not mean it has no redeeming qualities. Despite being equipped with a lackluster four-cylinder engine, it delivers an engaging and enjoyable driving experience. It is also extremely comfortable on the road, which means that it can get away with not having plusher leather seating or more creature comforts. To top it all off, it is one of the safest cars on the road, with a comprehensive list of driver-aids and near-perfect ratings from the top US safety organizations. When you consider that you are paying just over $20,000, these strengths seem like enough to overcome the weaknesses. Nevertheless, there are some shortcomings you simply can't overlook. If you're a single adult or are just getting serious with your partner, it makes for a great starter car, but as you transition into growing your family, the lack of space and practicality could be a deal-breaker. 2021 Mazda CX-3 Comparisons
Mazda Honda 2021 Mazda CX-3 vs Mazda CX-5
The two siblings share a lot of the same characteristics, which is a sign of the Mazda heritage. Both have unquestionably adventurous styling and present shoppers with a much higher class of cabin than you'd expect for the price. But since they each focus on a very different portion of the consumer base, their differences are more numerous than their similarities. The CX-3 will appeal to first-time car buyers who want a bit more road presence than a cheap sedan offers. It is an affordable SUV with great fuel economy, but it leaves little room for growth, so couples thinking of having kids would do better looking at the CX-5. With a much larger cabin and almost doubles the cargo capacity with 30.9 cubic feet on offer behind the rear seats. It also gives shoppers the option of a turbocharged engine that develops 250 hp, giving it a lot more pep in its step than the smaller crossover. Which is better will depend on which category of consumer you fall into. See Mazda CX-5 Review 2021 Mazda CX-3 vs Honda HR-V
Honda has had a dominating presence in the SUV segment with the CR-V and Pilot both drawing a lot of attention. The HR-V is not much different, thanks to its almost unbeatable practicality as a daily family hauler. Both rows of seats are equally comfortable - unlike the CX-3, which favors those up front - and it offers loads more cargo space with 24.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.8 cubes with the seats folded down. However, it is less upscale in terms of materials and build quality, and it lacks the full functionality of the Mazda's infotainment suite. Both vehicles rate similarly in safety reviews, but the edge would have to go to CX-3. Despite all this, it's difficult to recommend the CX-3 to those who would need the space and comfort levels of a true SUV. But, if it's just you and your partner, then it makes for the more satisfying purchase. See Honda HR-V Review 2021 Mazda CX-3 Popular Comparisons
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mazda CX-3: Mazda CX-5 $26,250 - $39,000 Price (MSRP) Compare Mazda 3 Sedan $21,150 - $33,450 Price (MSRP) Compare Chevrolet Trax $21,700 - $24,120 Price (MSRP) Compare Fiat 500X $27,965 - $33,145 Price (MSRP) Compare Ford EcoSport $22,040 - $28,395 Price (MSRP) Compare Honda HR-V $21,870 - $28,170 Price (MSRP) Compare Hyundai Kona $21,300 - $30,100 Price (MSRP) Compare Hyundai Venue $19,000 - $22,250 Price (MSRP) Compare Kia Niro $24,690 - $31,990 Price (MSRP) Compare Jeep Renegade $24,695 - $31,145 Price (MSRP) Compare Kia Seltos $22,840 Price (MSRP) Compare Kia Soul $19,290 - $27,890 Price (MSRP) Compare Mazda CX-30 $22,500 - $34,700 Price (MSRP) Compare Mitsubishi Outlander Sport $21,445 - $28,045 Price (MSRP) Compare Nissan Kicks $19,990 - $22,550 Price (MSRP) Compare Subaru Crosstrek $23,145 - $28,995 Price (MSRP) Compare Toyota C-HR $24,280 - $27,300 Price (MSRP) Compare Toyota Corolla Cross $22,445 - $27,875 Price (MSRP) Compare See All 18 Comparisons Mazda CX-3 News
JDM 2 Mazda's Smallest Car Isn't Actually A Mazda And it's got a very unusual name. Special Editions 2 Meet The Mazda CX-3 Super Edgy Edition Yes, this is actually the car's name. Industry News 11 Mazda Outlines Its Future Plans For Model Lineup A few bigger SUVs and a hybrid MX-5 Miata are on the way. LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top