| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Engaging and fun-to-drive | Congested rear seats | Night Vision Pedestrian Detection is added to the safety suite |
Exceptional fuel economy | Limited cargo space available for family | |
Svelte exterior styling | Unrefined engine | |
Upscale interiors |
$20,790
price148 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower146 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm
torque6-Speed Shiftable Automatic
transmission2.0L 4cyl FWD 6A
engine-
basic warrantyHolding its place as the smallest SUV in Mazda’s lineup, the CX-3’s ambitions are massive. The new Mazda CX-3 is one of the most interesting buys in an otherwise generic subcompact SUV segment. The small SUV boasts of an athletic nature, upscale interior, and trendy exterior styling to establish its place as the segment stalwart.
Since there is only a single trim option on display, buyers don’t have many options to choose from. We recommend going for the AWD variant and adding in a couple of driver convenience features like rear parking sensors and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror to the bucket list. The AWD variant is worth the upgrade for $1200.
The CX-3’s sporty stature and car-like dynamics make it a favorite buy. The 2021 CX-3 carries on that same promise, with a bunch of standard features to entice car enthusiasts. Mazda has put in great efforts to bolster the vehicle’s safety suite, design language, and refinement to give it an edge over its rivals like the Honda HR-V, the Toyota C-HR, and the Chevrolet Trax.
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 will be available only in a single trim level called the Sport. This simplifies the buying process for the customers, as they can select multiple options as per their incline. Front-wheel-drive is offered as standard, whereas buyers can also get extra all-weather traction by opting for an all-wheel-drive at an extra cost. Here is an overview of all the features that you would get from purchasing a Mazda CX-3.
|
Trim |
Sport |
|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$20,790 |
|
MSRP (AWD) |
$22,190 |
|
Key Features |
LED headlights with auto-leveling |
|
16-inch Aluminum Alloy wheels |
|
|
Automatic climate control with pollen filter |
|
|
7-inch touchscreen |
|
|
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
|
|
Mazda i-Activsense safety suite |
|
|
Cloth upholstery |
|
|
Remote keyless illuminated entry |
Which Trim should you buy?
Since there is only a single trim option on display, buyers don’t have many options to choose from. We recommend going for the AWD variant and adding in a couple of driver convenience features like rear parking sensors and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror to the bucket list. The AWD variant is worth the upgrade for $1200.
The CX-3’s frugal fuel economy is one of its main selling points. The SUV encounters fewer gas stops than your average SUV, which makes it even more appealing to cash-conscious buyers. The 2021 Mazda CX-3 returns 29 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway. This equates to a combined 31 MPG. With its fuel tank capacity of 12.7 gallons, the vehicle offers a decent range of 368 miles in the city and 431 miles on the highway. The AWD variant sees a drop in MPG figures, down to 27/30/29 MPG in the city/highway/combined respectively.
|
Models |
2021 Mazda CX-3 |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Toyota C-HR |
2021 Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
29 |
28 |
27 |
26 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
34 |
34 |
31 |
31 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
31 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
|
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
12.7 |
13.2 |
13.2 |
14.0 |
|
Range (City/Highway /Combined, in Miles) |
368/432/393 |
370/449/396 |
356/409/383 |
364/434/392 |
The 2021 CX-3 is the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class. The HR-V marginally edges the CX-3 out in the driving range thanks to its larger fuel tank. The Chevrolet Trax and the Toyota C-HR offer a poorer economy than the other two but their large fuel tanks help close the gap in terms of driving range.
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 justifies its low-budget value by offering an impressively detailed cabin design that looks upscale for its price tag. Mazda decorates the interiors with textured plastics, soft fabric, and some chrome detailing. All the controls are well within the reach of the driver thanks to the minimalistic design language. The black-themed interiors look classy in our opinion. As standard, you get cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, urethane steering wheel, power windows, and keyless entry.
The front seats are spacious and comfortable enough and are a great place to be in if you are planning on a long drive. The legroom is just enough to fit in your leg snugly, and the headroom is just enough to give you a great commanding view. The rear seats can be a hassle to be seated in for tall passengers owing to the limited legroom. The rear seats can split in a 40/60 fashion. 6-way and 4-way manual adjustments are given for the driver and passenger respectively.
|
Models |
2021 Mazda CX-3 |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Toyota C-HR |
2021 Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.4/53.5/41.7 |
39.5/56.8/41.2 |
38.1/49.0/43.5 |
39.6/54.1/40.8 |
|
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.2/50.4/35 |
38.3/54.5/39.3 |
38.3/52.5/31.7 |
38.8/52.8/35.7 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
17.8 |
24.3 |
19.1 |
18.7 |
The 2021 CX-3 is a stingy SUV when it comes to available cargo space. The SUV offers 17.8 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats, which maximizes to 42.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. Thus, the CX-3 can fit in 3 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats upright and 12 of them with the rear seats folded.
Most of the hatchbacks and SUVs offer more cargo space compared to the CX-3, so there is definitely room for improvement for Mazda here. Honda HR-V is the most spacious of the lot booths in terms of interior passenger volume and cargo capacity. But when it comes to the front row Toyota offers 43.5-inches of legroom. Some of the standout interior features in the 2021 Mazda CX-3 include:
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has a standard 7-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics and an intuitive Mazda Connect system and a rotary knob to access the touchscreen builds an intimate connection with the driver that couldn't be achieved with fully digital units. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration seamlessly connect your digital world to your infotainment screen. Other features like Bluetooth, voice recognition, and USB Ports are also part of the tech suite. A 6-speaker sound system plays your favorite tunes in harmony while you cruise around in bliss. Some of the standout infotainment features in the 2021 Mazda CX-3 are:
In terms of design, the 2021 CX-3 absolutely aces it with its snazzy aesthetics. Being the smallest SUV in Mazda’s lineup, it borrows many visual cues from the Mazda 3, which recently won the award for the car design of the year. Its cheeky exterior styling looks visually very appealing, in stark contrast to most boxy SUVs that you find on the road.
The Koto design language features largely here, which brings to the table a signature U-shaped grille with four chrome bars on the inside. The full LED headlights complement the athletic stance of the SUV. Car enthusiasts can also add a rear spoiler and roof rails for that extra coolness factor. Apart from the above, you also get standard 16-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.
|
Models |
2021 Mazda CX-3 |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Toyota C-HR |
2021 Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb weight (lbs) |
2851 |
2906 |
3300 |
3124 |
|
Length (inches) |
168.3 |
170.4 |
172.6 |
167.2 |
|
Width (Inches) |
69.6 |
69.8 |
70.7 |
69.9 |
|
Height (Inches) |
60.7 |
63.2 |
61.6 |
64.9 |
|
Ground clearance (inches) |
6.1 |
7.3 |
5.9 |
6.2 |
|
Wheelbase (inches) |
101.2 |
102.8 |
103.9 |
100.6 |
The 2021 CX-3’s compact exterior dimensions and light curb weight grant it the nimble handling dynamics that it is known for. The 6.1 inches of ground clearance allows the CX-3 to venture off the road on some occasions, although keep in mind that the SUV isn’t completely off-road oriented. The C-HR is the biggest SUV of the lot but it sits a little low. Honda HR-V on the other hand is more balanced in terms of dimensions which explains its high interior room. As for the Chevrolet Trax, it has the shortest wheelbase in the competition. Some of the standout exterior features in the 2021 Mazda CX-3 include:
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is also the top dog in terms of safety. For starters, the CX-3 earned the top 5-star safety rating from the federal agency NHTSA. It also grabbed the Top Safety Pick+ award from the safety agency IIHS. Mazda's i-Activsense suite of safety features has been standard on the CX-3 lineup since 2020. The safety suite adds standard safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Some of the standout safety features in the 2021 Mazda CX-3 are:
The Mazda CX-3 and the Toyota C-HR are familiar foes competing for a top spot in the subcompact SUV segment. CX-3 deals the first blow with its better performance and acceleration specs than the Toyota. The C-HR fights back against the CX-3 by offering a similar fuel economy. However, the differences begin to show up as you step inside the cabin. The Mazda has more rear legroom, which makes it more comfortable for rear passengers. The CX-3 also offers more cargo room to store your luggage and handles better, making it the deserved choice over its Toyota contemporary.
The Honda HR-V is one of the most versatile SUVs in its class, offering a class-leading cargo capacity and commodious rear headroom and legroom for the backseaters. The Honda HR-V also boasts of sporty ride quality, however, the CX-3 just edges ahead thanks to its better agility. The CX-3 also includes a plethora of standard features and offers more technology than the HR-V. Both are priced at a similar price range, so it all comes down to preference. If you want a great family hauler, pick up the Honda HR-V. If you only want a fun ride, the Mazda CX-3 is a stellar choice.
The Chevrolet Trax is a decent buy in the subcompact SUV class. While it offers similar power to the Mazda, the latter just beats it in terms of speed and acceleration. Mazda’s stellar MPG figures also give it an edge over the Chevy. The Chevy Trax redeems itself by offering more cargo space and rear legroom for your family. Both the SUVs offer a great list of standard features inside to appeal to every driver. The 2021 CX-3 is available at a lower base price than the Chevy Trax; so we will definitely pick the stylish CX-3.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #15 | 8.9 sec | 16.6 sec | - | |||
2021 Ford Explorer Ranked #1 | 5.9 sec | 14.4 sec | - | |||
2021 Honda Passport Ranked #2 | 6.1 sec | 14.7 sec | 112 mph | |||
2021 Kia Sorento Ranked #3 | 6.5 sec | 15.0 sec | 135 mph | |||
2021 BMW X1 Ranked #4 | 6.6 sec | 15.2 sec | 127 mph | |||
2021 Honda Pilot Ranked #4 | 6.6 sec | 15.0 sec | 113 mph |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #1 | 29 mpg | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 12.7 gal. | 368.3/431.8 mi. | |||
2021 Honda HR-V Ranked #2 | 28 mpg | 34 mpg | 30 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/448.8 mi. | |||
2021 Subaru Outback Ranked #3 | 26 mpg | 33 mpg | 29 mpg | 18.5 gal. | 481/610.5 mi. | |||
2021 Toyota C-HR Ranked #3 | 27 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 356.4/409.2 mi. | |||
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ranked #3 | 28 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/409.2 mi. | |||
2021 Chevrolet Trax Ranked #4 | 26 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | 14 gal. | 364/434 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #23 | 168.3 in. | 69.6 in. | 60.7 in. | 6.1 in. | 101.2 in. | |||
2021 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #1 | 199.4 in. | 77.5 in. | 69 in. | 8.8 in. | 115.3 in. | |||
2021 Ford Explorer Ranked #2 | 198.8 in. | 78.9 in. | 70.2 in. | 8.2 in. | 119.1 in. | |||
2021 Nissan Pathfinder Ranked #3 | 198.5 in. | 77.3 in. | 70.6 in. | 7 in. | 113.2 in. | |||
2021 Kia Telluride Ranked #4 | 196.9 in. | 78.3 in. | 68.9 in. | 8 in. | 114.2 in. | |||
2021 Honda Pilot Ranked #5 | 196.5 in. | 78.6 in. | 70.6 in. | 7.3 in. | 111 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #22 | 17.8 cu.ft. | 87.6 cu.ft. | 42.7 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #1 | 47.2 cu.ft. | - | 89.7 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Palisade Ranked #2 | 18 cu.ft. | 155.3 cu.ft. | 86.4 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Toyota Highlander Ranked #3 | 16 cu.ft. | 141.3 cu.ft. | 84.3 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Ford Explorer Ranked #4 | 18.2 cu.ft. | 152.7 cu.ft. | 87.8 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Ford Edge Ranked #4 | 39.2 cu.ft. | 113.9 cu.ft. | 73.4 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #1 | 8.9 cu.ft. | 17.8 cu.ft. | 42.7 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Hyundai Palisade Ranked #2 | 86.4 cu.ft. | 18 cu.ft. | 86.4 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ranked #3 | 68.3 cu.ft. | 51.9 cu.ft. | 68.3 cu.ft. | - | Jeep USA | ||
2021 Kia Telluride Ranked #4 | 10 cu.ft. | 21 cu.ft. | 87 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Ford Edge Ranked #5 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 39.2 cu.ft. | 73.4 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Toyota Highlander Ranked #6 | 84.3 cu.ft. | 16 cu.ft. | 84.3 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Mazda CX-3 Ranked #11 | 1038 lbs. | 989 lbs. | 2851 lbs. | |||
2021 Ford Explorer Ranked #1 | 5300 lbs. | 1425 lbs. | 4345 lbs. | |||
2021 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1700 lbs. | 4400 lbs. | |||
2021 Kia Telluride Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1664 lbs. | 4112 lbs. | |||
2021 Toyota Highlander Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1685 lbs. | 4145 lbs. | |||
2021 Hyundai Palisade Ranked #2 | 5000 lbs. | 1605 lbs. | 4127 lbs. |
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User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 23, 2024
Overall I love my car cause it's reliable and saves a lot of gas . No problems what do ever with it . And I couldn't ask for anything better .. great interior quality. don't have to waste much money for gas
