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2019 Mazda CX-3

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Rating7.0

Ranked #6 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$20,390 - $27,145
Starting Price 

Year

M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Class-leading fuel economy

Disappointing cargo space

Slight tweaks on the exterior design

Rich Safety feature list

Packed rear seats

Slightly more powerful engine

Entertaining ride quality

Advanced safety features homogenous to all trims

A new center armrest

Specs & Features

$20,390

price

148 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

146 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

It might seem small even for subcompact standards but Mazda CX-3 enters this year with a bang. Its nimble handling is what'll steal customers form other brands and the Miata like designing makes it a Samurai amongst regular soldiers. However, it's not immune to everything, low cargo space and miniature standard trunk feels like a dent in a showroom fresh car.

With the sticker price of $20,390, the Mazda CX-3 competes in the subcompact SUV segment. The long hood hides a 2.0L Inline 4 engine paired to an 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain pumps out 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. There are three trims on the offer with an option for RWD and AWD.

Buying Advice

We would recommend you to buy the base sport trim as it has the same engine as the upper trim levels. Just make sure you compliment your CX-3 with the Sport I-Activsense Package. This package adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake support, Lane Departure warning, High beam control and more.

Read More +

Comparative Analysis against Competition

You might have low hopes for the segment but it's the new fashion in the automotive bazar. The number of cars competing in the segment is mental, brands all over the world are offering their take on the segment. The CX-3 has to counter the likes of Honda-HRV, Toyota C-HR, Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, Buick Encore and more. There is not a lot of changes for this years CX-3.

Features
6.0/10

This 5 seater baby SUV is offered in 3 trims, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. With the starting price of $20,390 the CX-3 is offered in both Rear-wheel-drive and All-wheel-Drive and is priced accordingly for all three trims. Being a rather new concept compact SUVs are still evolving. Bold styling, rich feature list, and miniature rear seats is currently the class defining norms for a compact SUV and the Mazda is no different. All three trims share the same 2.0L Inline-4 power train so, the difference lies in the standard feature list.

Trim

Sport

Touring

Grand Touring

MSRP RWD

$20,390

$22,475

$25,745

MSRP AWD

$21,790

$23,875

$27,145

Key Features

16-inch aluminium alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 all-season tires

18-inch wheels

Adaptive headlights
 

Body-colored power side mirrors with integrated turn signals

Heated mirrors

LED exterior lighting
 

Dual exhaust outlets with bright finish

Automatic headlights

Chrome exterior trim
 

Rear roofline spoiler

Automatic wipers

Paddle shifters
 

Variable-intermittent windshield wipers

Piano black exterior trim

Head-up display
 

Rear intermittent windshield wiper

Keyless entry and ignition

Full leather upholstery
 

Roof-mounted "shark fin" antenna

Automatic climate control

Seven-speaker Bose premium audio system with satellite and HD radio
 

Air conditioning with pollen filter

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and an overhead console with sunglasses holder

Advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control with full-speed range
 

60/40 split fold-down rear seatback

Simulated leather and cloth upholstery

Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection
 

MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System5

Heated front seats

Lane departure warning and automatic high beams
 

7" full-color touch screen display

    
 

Advanced front air bags, front side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains

    
 

Hill Launch Assist

    
 

Smart City Brake Support

    
 

Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

    
 

LATCH child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers

    
 

Engine immobilizer anti-theft system

    

We Recommend

We would recommend you to buy the base sport trim as it has the same engine as the upper trim levels. Just make sure you compliment your CX-3 with the Sport I-Activsense Package. This package adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake support, Lane Departure warning, High beam control and more.

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

Fuel economy is the winning point for this baby SUV segment. Every SUV boast a decent mileage figures encouraging the buyer to invest in this budding segment. Mazda delivers a well rounded package with its 29 mpg of city and 34 mpg of highway mileage. Together you will have a 31 mpg of combined mileage. The All-Wheel-Drive system adds 150 pounds of weight dropping this figure to 29 mpg.

Model

Mazda CX-3

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

Hyundai Kona

Buick Encore

Subaru Crosstrek

Chevrolet Trax

Ford Ecosport

MPG (city)

29

28

27

27

26

23

25

27

MPG (highway)

34

34

31

33

31

29

33

29

MPG (combined)

31

30

29

28

25

28

28

 -

Clean and efficient, most of these baby SUVs are efficient and save you the frequent trips to the gas station. The 2019 Mazda CX-3 is the most fuel efficient SUV in the segment, its combined 31 mpg mileage is the best in the class. Honda is breathing down Mazda’s neck with its 30 mpg mileage.

Interior
7.1/10

“The CX-3 gets high marks for its attractive interior that makes use of high-quality materials. But points were deducted for the cramped rear-seat space, and outward visibility is merely average”- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

It’s totally clear that the CX-3 was built for 2 passengers. Its seems like the ideal of 4 was a post built decision. The front cabin and seats are present with a lot of headroom and legroom. The doors are wide which makes entry and exit natural. There is nothing cheap on this Mazda, hard plastic were absent throughout the cabin. The leather/suede seats are comfortable and have a high beltline, the front seats are 6-way manually adjusted but requires a rough hand.

Now the rear seat is what’s wrong about this great SUV. Entering through the rear doors is like entering a tunnel and the seats are too cramped for comfort. The coupe-like roofline hinders the headroom, but it’s the tiny grey space between the seats which Mazda calls legroom that’s the real problem. You have decent 40-inch legroom in the front but it's reduced to just 35 for the rear cabin. You get an update of heated steering and leather-trimmed seats on the higher trims.

Model

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

Hyundai Kona

Buick Encore

Mazda CX-3

Subaru Crosstrek

Chevrolet Trax

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

Front (cu. ft)

N/A

39.5

38.1

39.6

39.6

38.4

39.8

Shoulder room

56.8

49

55.5

54.2

53.5

56.7

54.1

Leg room

41.2

43.5

41.5

40.8

41.7

43.1

40.8

Rear (cu. ft)

N/A

38.3

38.3

37.8

38.8

37.2

38

Shoulder room

54.5

52.5

54.5

52.5

50.4

55.6

52.8

Legroom

39.3

31.7

34.6

35.8

35

36.5

35.7

Other SUV’s like the Toyota and Hyundai Kona get the befit of their boxy body style. There is no problem with the rear headroom and legroom is better than the Mazda, which possibility is the worst in the class.

Interior Features

  • Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
  • Overhead Console With Storage
  • Front Seatback Storage
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Keyless Ignition
  • Climate Control
  • Turn Signal In Mirrors
  • Front And Rear Cupholders
  • Front And Rear Door Pockets
  • Electric Power Steering
  • Rear View Camera
  • Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
  • Dual Vanity Mirrors
  • Interior Air Filtration

Infotainment System

The Mazda’s i-pad styled infotainment screen earns extra points for the interior. A mono-spec 7-inch infotainment screen comes installed with the Mazda’s CONNECT infotainment system with voice commands, multifunction commander control, Aha internet radio and more. The system is easy to use and have a one-touch response without any delay. Menus are clear and obvious but some features take too long to access. A rotary dial on the console is another way to go about the features on the screen. The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is still absent from 2019 CX-3.

Some other infotainment features include:

  • AM/FM/HD Radio
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio
  • 8-speaker full-range door-mounted type sound system
  • Tweeter speakers
  • Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio
  • 2 USB ports
  • MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system inc. voice command

Cargo volume

Cargo volume is not the most bright thing on the CX-3’s brochure. The 12.4 cubic feet cargo volume is worst in the lot. Furthermore, the rear seats are foldable to unlock the SUV’s 44.5 cubic feet of the cargo bay, which is competitive with other boxy competitors.

Model

Mazda CX-3

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

Hyundai Kona

Buick Encore

Subaru Crosstrek

Chevrolet Trax

Ford Eco sport

Trunk Volume (ft.3)

12.4

24.3

19

19.2

18.8

20.8

18.7

20.9

Cargo Volume with Rear seats folded (ft.3)

44.5

58.8

36.4

45.8

48.4

55.3

48.4

50

Exterior
7.0/10

“The 2019 Mazda CX-3 channels hatchback style for its clean good looks. It avoids that cliched territory altogether with the 2019 CX-3. A sleek hatchback in all ways save for ride height, the CX-3 offers a fresh look and a well-composed if bland cockpit for the driving”- The Car Connection

Design and Styling

Mazda has always been a strong opposer of rudimentary designs and styling. Where other SUVs play on similar style the designers at Mazda get to work and deliver something exotic, you won’t find a crossover close to this one. Rather than having straight lines and muscles Mazda opted for a curvaceous body design. The long nose hood adds the Miata mystic to this small SUV. For 2019 the design received some tweaks with more chrome touches, and minor improvements in the front and the rear grills.

Subtle design upgrades spices up the exterior, that’s for sure but the curvaceous body might create a problem of cabin space. It’s not the biggest small SUV in the lot like the Subaru Crosstrek. Right from its long nose hood the CX-3 measures 168.3 inches. The total ear to ear width and height are rated at 69.6 and 60.7 inches respectively. As per the evolving compact SUV norms Mazda feature a respectable 101 inches o wheelbase and 6.1 inches of ground clearance.

Model

Mazda CX-3

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

Hyundai Kona

Buick Encore

Subaru Crosstrek

Chevrolet Trax

Ford Eco Sport

Curb weight (lbs.)

2809

2906

3300

2890

3237

3157

2805

3020

Length(in)

168.3

170

171.2

168.41

168.35

175.8

167.2

161.3

Width(in)

69.6

69.8

70.7

70.9

70.1

71

69.9

69.5

Height(in)

60.7

63.2

61.6

61

65.2

63.6

64.9

64.8

Ground clearance (in)

6.1

5.4

5.9

6.22

8.7

6.2

 - -

Wheelbase (in)

101.2

102.8

103.9

102.4

100.6

104.9

100.6

99.2

Track width (in) F/R

60/59.5

60.4/60.6

60.6/60.6

60.62/60.62

61/61.2

60.6/60.6

59.8/59.7

 -

As aforementioned, Subaru Crosstrek is the biggest small SUV in the lot. It does not carry a lot of weight given it has a big body. Rest of the class feature similar dimensions without alienating things. However, you can all the CX-3 the smallest SUV in the lot.

Exterior Features

  • Wheel Locks
  • Rear Bumper Guard
  • Machine Gray Metallic Paint Charge
  • Roof Rack Side Rails
  • Front And Rear Bumper Trim Package
  • Soul Red Crystal Metallic Paint Charge
  • Snowflake White Pearl Mica Paint Charge

Safety
7.0/10

The advanced suite of safety tech that inhabits the CX-3 sedan can help the driver avoid most of the hazardous scenarios. Tests from the IIHS proved that the CX-3 is capable of avoiding a head-on collision at speeds up to 25 mph. An array of blind spot sensors can alert the driver of any potential obstacles out of the line of sight. A Driver Attention Alert System is standard for the Select trim and above. This system monitors 70 different parameters to determine the signs of fatigue or if enough attention is paid on the road ahead. Some of the prominent safety features include :

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • Side Impact Beams
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
  • Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • MazdaConnect Emergency SOS
  • Driver Attention Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning And Lane Keep Assist
  • Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
  • Blind Spot Monitoring System
  • Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags

Competition
7.0/10

Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3

Honda markets the HR-v on its practicality and comfortable seating, while Mazda delivers the sheer pleasure of driving. Both cars are backed with similar engines and share a competitive price tag which makes the choice even more puzzling. Honda’s cargo bay is impressive and complements you travel plans plus its smart placement of the rear seats earns it more points. However, Mazda’s driving dynamics are zippy which the HR-V couldn’t match.Both SUVs might compete in similar segments but their powers are polar opposites to each other. So, if you are looking for practicality and a feasible daily driver then Honda might be the right choice. 

Toyota C-HR vs Mazda CX-3

The crossover segment has created a lot of buzzes these days and Toyota cannot abandon such area. The Toyota C-HR is a solid offering with sufficient power and entertaining ride quality but that’s something Mazda offers as well. It suffers from the same germ of low cargo volume but manages to deliver habitable rear legroom. However, Mazda would win buyers with its great handling, acceleration, and better fuel economy numbers. Also, the C-HR doesn’t have an AWD option.The C-HR sure is nice but people a buyer of Crossover SUVs sure will find Mazda more desirable.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Mazda CX-3

In the segment of efficient small SUVs, Subaru delivers something more. It's comical how an SUV like Crosstrek competes with these baby SUVs, its bigger, more powerful, and offers a lot of space for a crossover hatch. Also, it’s a crossover mud cake as it comes with off-road capabilities. Clearly Subaru had differing ideology for Crosstrek. However, its handling is not over the top and fuel economy is subpar compared to other baby SUVs. Mazda, on the other hand, is an entertaining ride with class defining fuel economy numbers.We would only suggest the Subaru Crosstrek only if you are looking for a baby off-roader otherwise you are fine with the Mazda CX-3.

Final Verdict

Right from its inception in 2015, Mazda CX-3 was known for their superior handling prowess and good road manners. These traits were inherited as the SUV aged and has become a relevant point of value. Now there is nothing new for this year’s CX-3 just little tuning to chassis, more safety features, few tweaks on the exterior, and more cubby holes and an armrest , rest remains the same. 

The engine is powerful for a subcompact in a way that you wont feel the need for more horses. The economy is top of the line but practically is where things go downhill. Overall, it’s a strong offering from Mazda and you won’t be disappointed with your choice.

Trims

    Sport
    $20,390 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 146 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.8 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 31 mpg
    Touring
    $22,475 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 146 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.8 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 31 mpg
    Grand Touring
    $25,745 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 146 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 29 mpg

Compare to similar cars

7.0
2019 Mazda CX-3

Price

$20,390- $27,145

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.04

Horsepower

148 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

146 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

6.2
2019 Subaru Crosstrek

$21,895- $28,170

Gasoline

6.23

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

145 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

7.3
2019 Honda Pilot

$31,450- $48,020

Gasoline

7.28

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

8

Read Review

7.8
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

$31,945- $68,395

Gasoline

7.77

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

6.3
2019 Chevrolet Blazer

$28,800- $45,600

Gasoline

6.35

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

188 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

7.1
2019 Ford Edge

$29,995- $42,355

Gasoline

7.11

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

6.2
2019 Ford Explorer

$32,365- $54,165

Gasoline

6.24

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

7.4
2019 GMC Acadia

$29,000- $47,500

Gasoline

7.38

193 hp @ 6300 rpm

188 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

7

Read Review

6.7
2019 Kia Sorento

$26,290- $46,490

Gasoline

6.65

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

6.6
2019 Mazda CX-9

$32,280- $45,365

Gasoline

6.62

250 hp @ 5000 rpm

310 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

7

Read Review

2019 Mazda CX-3 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    		SourceCompare
    		8.8 sec16.6 sec-
    		6.1 sec14.7 sec112 mph
    		6.9 sec15.3 sec115 mph
    		6.9 sec15.4 sec-
    		7 sec15.6 sec130 mph
    		7 sec15.3 sec130 mph
    Read More

    2019 Mazda CX-3 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      		SourceCompare
      		29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      		25 mpg32 mpg28 mpg18.5 gal.462.5/592 mi.
      		22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg18.4 gal.407/536.5 mi.
      		22 mpg29 mpg25 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/545.2 mi.
      		27 mpg29 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.381.8/481.4 mi.
      		22 mpg28 mpg24 mpg19 gal.418/532 mi.

      2019 Mazda CX-3 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        		SourceCompare
        2019 Mazda CX-3

        Ranked #16

        		168.3 in.69.6 in.60.7 in.6.1 in.101.2 in.
        		199.4 in.77.5 in.69 in.8.8 in.115.3 in.
        		198.5 in.77.3 in.69.5 in.7 in.114.2 in.
        		198.3 in.78.9 in.70 in.7.8 in.112.8 in.
        		196.5 in.78.6 in.70.6 in.7.3 in.111 in.
        		193.6 in.75.4 in.66 in.7.2 in.112.5 in.

        2019 Mazda CX-3 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          		SourceCompare
          2019 Mazda CX-3

          Ranked #13

          		12.4 cu.ft.87.6 cu.ft.44.5 cu.ft.
          		47.2 cu.ft.-89.7 cu.ft.
          		13.8 cu.ft.144.9 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.
          		21 cu.ft.151.7 cu.ft.81.7 cu.ft.
          		39.2 cu.ft.113.9 cu.ft.11.1 cu.ft.
          		16.2 cu.ft.137.8 cu.ft.79.5 cu.ft.

          2019 Mazda CX-3 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            		SourceCompare
            		44.5 cu.ft.12.4 cu.ft.44.5 cu.ft.-
            		83.1 cu.ft.21 cu.ft.81.7 cu.ft.-
            		74.4 cu.ft.41.2 cu.ft.77.9 cu.ft.42 ft.
            		79.5 cu.ft.16.2 cu.ft.79.5 cu.ft.-
            		50.8 cu.ft.10.7 cu.ft.67.6 cu.ft.-
            		89.7 cu.ft.47.2 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.-

            2019 Mazda CX-3 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              		SourceCompare
              		1038 lbs.1031 lbs.2809 lbs.
              		6200 lbs.1180 lbs.4513 lbs.Jeep USA
              		5000 lbs.1717 lbs.4443 lbs.
              		5000 lbs.1700 lbs.4400 lbs.
              		5000 lbs.1692 lbs.4293 lbs.
              		3500 lbs.1509 lbs.4036 lbs.

              2019 Mazda CX-3 SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              2

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              26

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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              2019 Mazda CX-3

              Horsepower : 148 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 31 mpg

              0-60 : 8.8 sec

              #6

              2019 Mazda CX-3 User Reviews

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              Eduardo zink

              2020 Mazda CX-3

              Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              The greatest of them all

              Pros - ["Very fast and reliable"]

              Cons - ["Little tires", "Chunky transmission", "Complex sometimes"]

              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

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

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