2021 Mazda CX-3

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.

The latest generation of Mazda vehicles are definitely eye-catching in their styling. Beside more traditional small crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona, it definitely stands out as one of the most appealing in the US market. The grille isn't overly large, but the lateral chrome blades give it an aggressive face that matches the sleek LED headlights and daytime running lights. Looking at it from behind, the large taillights are far from blocky, suiting the sharp lines of the lower part of the tailgate and the rooftop spoiler. There are dual exhaust outlets in bright finish that set off the parting view. Keeping with the overall diminutive dimensions, the CX-3 rides on smaller 16-inch alloy wheels.

It is hard to appreciate just how small the Mazda is based on images alone. From tip to tail, it measures just 168.3 inches in length, but the short 101.2-inch wheelbase creates a rather cramped cabin. Add to this a height of 60.7 inches and a width of 69.6 inches, and it is hardly a surprise that the base curb weight starts as low as 2,851 pounds. Opting for the AWD model sees this increase to 2,994 lbs. However, while the CX-3 claims to be more like an SUV than a crossover, its ground clearance of just 6.1 inches does not inspire the confidence to take it off-road.

The exterior of the CX-3 can be gussied up in one of seven colors for 2021. If you aren't willing to spend more than the absolute minimum, you can choose between three mica options - Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, and Eternal Blue - or Ceramic Metallic. But, if you want to spoil yourself a little, you can dole out an extra $395 for Snowflake White Pearl Mica or $495 for Machine Gray Metallic. However, since almost all the promotional photos of this stylish subcompact are shown in the sensational Soul Red Crystal Metallic, we have basically been conditioned to want it. So the extra $595 feels like a small price to pay to be in vogue.

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.

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.

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.

In typical subcompact fashion, the CX-3 is a light sipper when zipping around town, despite relying on a naturally aspirated powertrain. In its base guise, equipped with the front-wheel drivetrain, it returns an EPA-estimated 29/34/31 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, while even the all-wheel-drive configuration is rated at a respectable 27/32/29 mpg in comparison. This beats out direct rivals like the Honda HR-V, if only by a small margin - a single point of mileage in most categories. The FWD CX-3 comes outfitted with a 12.7-gallon fuel tank, carrying it across 394 miles, while the AWD has access to only 11.9 gallons. This gives it a maximum range of around 345 miles in mixed driving conditions.

At first glance, the interior may not impress, but when you remind yourself that this is a $20k vehicle, you can't help but be impressed. While the cloth-trimmed seats may seem perfectly at home, the soft touch-materials around the key touchpoints set it up to contend with much more expensive rivals. The infotainment is not overly extensive, but it includes all the basics and the controls are laid out smartly, with a touchscreen and rotary dials offering multiple ways to interact. Unfortunately, you'll feel your excitement wane once you move past the spacious front seats and realize that the second row is a little cramped, and the trunk is much smaller than you'd expect in this classification.

So long as you're seated up front, you'll have no complaints with the CX-3. There is loads of head- and legroom and the seats are extremely comfortable. The driver's seat is six-way manually adjustable and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column makes finding a comfortable position quite easy. Visibility is a bit hit and miss, though. The front windshield is broad and the high seating position provides a commanding view. However, the bold styling of the Mazda works against it here as the broad C pillars create large blind spots. After experiencing the front seats, you'll be disappointed by the rear ones. Limited legroom means that adults will not be comfortable here, and only smaller children will likely spend a long drive without constant complaints, which isn't unusual for this segment, though.

In the past, the CX-3 offered a choice of several trims that also allowed you to upgrade the upholstery to leather. Nowadays, unfortunately, your only option is cloth, and the only color offered is plain black. This doesn't mean that it is low quality by any means, though. It is soft and comfortable, while still being durable and lasting, making it ideal for an everyday commuter or family car. On the plus side, the dash and door panels are not laden with hard plastics as is common in many base-model crossovers. The only upgrades available to the interior are door sill trim plates and all-weather floor mats, so if you simply cannot stand cloth-trimmed seating, this isn't the vehicle for you. Overall, construction is good and the materials are of higher quality than you might expect from this price point.

Even compact and subcompact crossovers are expected to supply ample amounts of trunk space. This is one of the main reasons so many shoppers prefer them over the more traditional sedan. However, with only 17.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, the CX-3 offers only marginally more utility than a midsize sedan. Both the Kona and HR-V have it beat in this department, with 19.2 and 24.3 cubic feet on offer with the rear seats in place, respectively. Still, the Mazda will dispatch with most daily requirements without too much fuss, including grocery shopping, transporting the kids to and from school, and even stowing some luggage for a trip to the airport. If you are planning a longer trip, you can increase the cargo capacity by folding down the rear seats, freeing up 42.7 cubes.

Given how small the cabin is, there aren't many viable small-item storage solutions. The door pockets are slim, and the rear bench doesn't get a pair of cupholders like those up front do. Still, the safest place to store anything bigger than a set of spare keys is the center armrest cubby. The glovebox could also be put to work for storing a tablet or a couple of mobile devices.

As a base model, the CX-3 Sport presents buyers with an excellent value proposition. For an affordable SUV, it receives a fair number of conveniences, including remote keyless entry and push-button start, while a 12-volt power outlet allows you to charge your smart devices. Finding a good driving position is easy with a six-way manual seat and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, while automatic climate control keeps the rest of the cabin comfortable. But there are larger concerns than just comfort and convenience, which is where the i-Activesense safety suite comes in. This comprises a rearview camera, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with night-time pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. The only optional feature is a rear parking sensor, which can be added for $500.

Mazda keeps things simple with the infotainment suite on the CX-3, which is a good thing. The seven-inch touchscreen is intuitive and easy to operate, although a rotary dial is available for those that prefer a more analog approach. Standard features include AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There is also a USB port and an auxiliary audio input jack. All audio is channeled through a set of six speakers. Unlike the standard features, there are no available packages or add-ons to augment the standard infotainment offering but, at this price point, you really shouldn't be disappointed.

In terms of reliability, the Mazda CX-3's ratings are slightly above average, with J.D. Power awarding it 77 out of 100 back in 2019 - more recent scores are not available. This is backed up by an excellent track record of no recalls for the past four years. The manufacturer offers a relatively basic warranty plan, though. The bumper-to-bumper and roadside assistance plans are valid for three years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles.

Mazda is quickly becoming renowned for its excellent safety record, and the CX-3 is leading the charge in this area. The NHTSA has already released its review of the 2021 model, awarding it an overall rating of five stars, with only the rollover crash test receiving a slightly lower four-star rating. However, the institute did issue a warning that there is a risk of rear passenger injury in the event of side collision. The IIHS, on the other hand, has yet to review the Mazda CX-3 for the new year, but since the only changes are actually improvements to the standard safety suite, it will likely retain its overall score of Good in all six categories as tested in 2020. It may even earn another Top Safety Pick+ award.

Considering how well the CX-3 reviews with safety organizations, it's no surprise that it comes outfitted with a wide array of features. As with just about any modern vehicle on the road, it has ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, and a set of airbags - a total of six, including the front dash, front side, and side curtain. More advanced features include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, newly added night-time pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and hill launch assist. A rear parking sensor can be added at an additional cost.

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.

Since there is only a single trim to choose from, the price of the CX-3 doesn't really vary all that much. If you don't need an all-wheel drivetrain, you can get away with spending just $20,640. However, if you live in an area that warrants it, AWD pushes the base price up to $22,040. This puts it squarely in-between its other rivals, the Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V. These prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or Mazda's $1,100 destination charge.

There are no longer several Mazda CX-3 models to choose from. Instead, the Sport now comprises the complete offering for the range. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine sends its outputs to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Riding on 16-inch alloy wheels, the crossover gets a full array of LED exterior lighting, including headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. Inside, the cabin is upholstered in cloth and the driver's seat is six-way manually adjustable. Conveniences comprise keyless entry, push-button start, and a 12-volt power outlet, while automatic climate control keeps the interior comfortable. The infotainment suite centers around a seven-inch touchscreen programmed with AM/DM Radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This is supplemented by a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack, while a set of six speakers channel all outputs.

Standard driver-assistance features include a rearview camera, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and cruise control.

Although there are no traditional packages on offer to customize your Mazda CX-3 SUV, several add-ons are available. One of which is oddly named the front and rear bumper trim package. For $525, this makes some minor cosmetic adjustments to the standard equipment. Rear parking sensors can be added at a cost of $500, while roof rack side rails add $300 to the bill. Some interior options include a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLine ($325) interior accent lighting ($300), and all-weather floor mats ($125).

You really have no choice but to opt for the CX-3 Sport, since no other trims are available. However, considering how much is included in this "base" model, there is no reason to be disappointed. Sure, you can't get leather upholstery, but plenty of advanced driver-assistance features come standard. We'd still recommend adding the $500 rear parking sensors just to cover all your bases. Of course, you'll almost certainly want the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, which adds another $595 to the final figure. You can probably skip over the exterior add-ons like roof rails or different bumpers, unless you really feel you need them. And, assuming you live in an area with well-maintained roads and fair weather, the front-wheel drivetrain should suit your needs. In this setup, the Mazda CX-3 will cost you a total of $22,835 including delivery.

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.

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.