2021 Mazda CX 3 Performance Engine Horsepower Transmission CarBuzz
2021 Mazda CX-3 Performance: Engine, Horsepower, Transmission CarBuzz News Features New Cars Used Cars Sell My Car Shopping Tools Car Reviews Car Finder Compare Cars Best Cars Car Dealerships Used Car Reviews Car Advice Home Cars Mazda 2021 Mazda CX-3 Performance
FWD29 MPG
31 MPG
2021 Mazda CX-3 Performance
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 7.0 Mazda CX-3 Performance Rating2021 CX-3 Performance
While most of the competition has moved away from naturally aspirated powertrains in favor of lower-displacement turbocharged variants, Mazda is hesitant to make the change. Considering how good the CX-3 is, we can only lament what we are missing out on with the lack of a turbo option. As things stand, the four-pot under the hood of the subcompact delivers enough of a kick to launch it from 0 to 60 mph in around eight seconds. This is quicker than other non-turbo rivals, but quite far behind what the turbocharged Kona is capable of. Similarly, its top speed is hamstrung, with 115 mph being the best you can hope for. The available AWD spec helps you out in areas prone to poor weather, but the extra weight it adds negatively affects overall performance.2021 CX-3 Performance Photos
Mazda Mazda MazdaEngine and Transmission
The subcompact is small and light, so it doesn't need a lot of power. Thus, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine does a good job of moving it around without the help of a turbocharger. It provides more power than naturally aspirated competitors at 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, but turbocharged configurations easily best it. Paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the four-pot sends its outputs to the front wheels as standard, while an all-wheel drivetrain is available. Manual shift paddles are included for those that prefer a more hands-on experience, but we'd leave the auto to its own devices instead for well-timed shifts that suit relaxed driving. Still, the transmission does seem a little hesitant when you press it to deliver power on demand. The goal of this little crossover is to provide a zippy form of transportation around town, whether it be commuting to and from work, popping into the grocery store, or swinging by the school to pick up the kids. Keep this in mind and you won't be disappointed.2021 Mazda CX-3 Performance Specs
Mazda CX-3 TrimsMazda CX-3 EnginesMazda CX-3 HorsepowerMazda CX-3 TransmissionsMazda CX-3 DrivetrainsMazda CX-3 MPG/MPGE Sport2.0L Inline-4 Gas148 hp @ 6000 rpm6-Speed AutomaticAWDFWD29 MPG
31 MPG