Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. The CX-3 was a popular model, known for its sporty looks and demeanor. With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the CX-3 offered better performance than its competitors as well as available all-wheel drive. Inside, Mazda's reputation for a premium and comfortable cabin continued, making the CX-3 a pleasure to drive and own. Finally, while rear-seat space was a bit limited, cargo capacity was competitive, with 44.5 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded down. The Mazda CX-3 was replaced by the CX-30 for the 2022 model year.
Explore the evolution of the Mazda CX-3
Get our expert take on used Mazda CX-3 models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Mazda CX-3
The first-generation Mazda CX-3 was the brand's first subcompact crossover SUV, and it was a popular model throughout its production life. Unlike many competing subcompacts, the CX-3 was available with all-wheel drive, and the 2.0-liter engine offered more performance than other subcompacts. The extra performance was paired with Mazda's sporty design cues and the brand's well-earned reputation for compelling paint colors.
Inside, the CX-3 is definitely a subcompact, but there's room for five passengers, and the small vehicle offers responsive steering and handling. In the early years, Mazda offered three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Because the CX-3 is a small SUV with relatively affordable pricing, it's smart to consider the top trim levels to get features like LED headlights, leather upholstery, and navigation. A Bose® audio system is also available. By the end of production, the CX-3 was down to a single well-appointed trim level.
Model highlights
Subcompact crossover SUV
Seating for five passengers
Available all-wheel drive
Four-cylinder engine
Up to 44.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2016 - 2021
2021 Mazda CX-3
2020 Mazda CX-3
Highlights
Trim line reduced to Sport trim only
Support for Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® added
Learn more
2019 Mazda CX-3
2018 Mazda CX-3
Highlights
Updated for a quieter ride
Updated suspension and steering
Low-speed emergency braking added
Learn more
2017 Mazda CX-3
2016 Mazda CX-3
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Mazda CX-3 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Mazda CX-3 2nd out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mazda CX-3 is $370, compared to an average of $442 for Subcompact SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Mazda CX-3 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.5 times per year, compared to an average of 0.7 times for Subcompact SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 8% for the Mazda CX-3, compared to an average of 12% for Subcompact SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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