Mazda Small Cars. 2022 and 2023 Models From Mazda's Lineup of Small Cars

There is a Mazda small car at every price point from just over $20,000 to nearly $40,000 on the US market. In fact, eight out of the ten Mazda models for sale in the USA are compact cars, with the Mazda 6 sedan and CX-9 SUV being the only exceptions. The brand is well-respected for its ability to create reliable family cars that are also fun to drive, and particularly in this segment, has some of the most popular offerings on the market.

All The New Mazda Compact-Car Models

The Mazda compact-car range is made up mostly of crossovers, with a single hatchback and roadster thrown in to balance the mix.:

Mazda CX-3: As Mazda’s smallest car, the CX-3 is classified as a subcompact crossover. It is fun to drive, has an upmarket interior, and is fuel efficient. It also boasts excellent safety and a very competitive standard feature list. However, the single engine option lacks power, it is very small inside, and there is only one trim.
Mazda CX-30: Occupying the niche between compact and subcompact, the CX-30 is slightly larger than the CX-3. It is just as much fun to drive, but gets access to even better engines across its multiple trim levels. Though affordable, it’s still quite small inside and offers only a few customization options.
Mazda CX-5: The compact crossover class is tough, but the CX-5 offers a surprisingly premium package with a classy cabin, lots of features, and some powerful engine options. This is fortunate since the base engine is somewhat asthmatic.
Mazda 3: Crossovers may dominate the US market, but Mazda still fields a competitive compact car in the form of the Mazda 3, available as both a sedan and hatchback. It is classily finished, handles very well, has a good standard specification, and is available with a powerful engine option. However, it is not very roomy, especially in the rear seat, and trunk space is lacking too.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: The world’s top-selling roadster is offered in soft-top and retractable hard-top guise. It is a lightweight, fun-to-drive roadster with excellent ride-handling balance, a good engine, and a competitive standard spec. It’s small, though, with little space for people or cargo, and not very quiet or refined.
Mazda MX-30. Mazda’s compact MX-30 all-electric crossover will arrive in California in the fall of 2021, with a range-extender version expected about a year later. Its starting price is expected to be around $38,000.

Pricing Of The Mazda Small-Car Models

The current pricing of the range of small Mazdas is as follows:

Model	Power	Engine	Base Price
Mazda CX-3	148 hp	2.0L Inline-4 Gas	$20,790
Mazda CX-30	186 hp	2.5L Inline-4 Gas	$22,050
Mazda CX-5	187 hp	2.5L Inline-4 Gas	$26,250
Mazda 2	100 hp	1.5L Inline-4 Gas	$14,720
Mazda 3 Hatchback	186 hp	2.5L Inline-4 Gas	$23,100
Mazda MX-30 EV	143 hp	Electric	$33,470
Mazda MX-5 Miata	181 hp	2.0L Inline-4 Gas	$27,650
Mazda RX-8	232 hp	1.3L Rotary Gas	$26,795
Mazda Tribute	171 hp	2.5L Inline-4 Gas	$20,555
Mazda 3 Sedan	155 hp	2.0L Inline-4 Gas	$20,650

What to Consider Before Buying One Of Mazda’s Small Cars

Mazda’s range of small cars shares the following pros and cons:

Pros

Tuned to be fun to drive in their respective classes
Cabins are classy and solidly constructed
Standard specification on every model is good in its class
Good safety credentials

Cons

Most models are short on space
Base engines lack power
Automatic transmissions can be lethargic

FAQs

With the CX3 and CX-30 being so similar, which is the best buy?

At a starting price of only about $1,200 more, the CX-30 offers more space and a significantly stronger 2.5-liter engine with 186 hp, as opposed to the 148-hp 2.0L on the single CX-3 model. We would certainly go for the CX-30 as it’s similarly priced to the CX-3, but supplies more space and better performance figures.

Is the Mazda 3 2.5L Turbo a hot hatch?

The Mazda 3 offers excellent performance, but it is only available with AWD and an automatic transmission. It has been tuned as an all-rounder that is sure-footed and user-friendly and not a hardcore performance model. Therefore, it serves more as a comfortable, well-handling performance-tweaked hatch rather than a stiffly sprung sports hatch.

Is the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF worth its higher starting price over the soft-top Miata?

To most typical MX-5 Miata buyers, probably not. The lighter soft-top is sportier and starts at $3k less than the RF. The RF is slightly more refined and comes with a proper hardtop, but it is better suited to cruising and most buyers prefer it as an automatic. For the core values of the MX-5 Miata, which are fun handling, the lightest weight possible, and an affordable cost, the normal soft-top is best.

Should I buy a Mazda CX-5 over a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V?

We regard the CX-5 as one of the best compact crossovers in its class. It is better looking and more rewarding to drive than any of its rivals, thanks to its available strong turbocharged engine. It has no noticeable weak spots aside from slightly subpar passenger and cargo room.

For more information, read a detailed review of any of the 2021 Mazda models, peruse our model comparisons, and view pictures to compare the latest Mazda models with their 2020 predecessors - or their natural rivals.