What's New
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 serves as the brand's entry-level crossover, offering sporty looks and handling with a measure of utility. Nothing about the CX-3 has changed for the new model year, not even the price.
Last year, Mazda introduced a more powerful and slightly larger crossover called the CX-30, which effectively replaced upmarket versions CX-3, leaving just the Sport trim. The CX-3 hit the market in 2016 and received a midlife refresh in 2019.
Choosing Your Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 comes in a single trim level, Sport, priced from $21,740 including destination.
Engine Choices
Every CX-3 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It starts with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for $1,400.
FWD models are EPA-rated at 29 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 combined. Adding AWD drops these figures to 27/32/29 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The CX-3 is a subcompact crossover with reasonable room for five passengers, considering its size. The cargo area measures a sedan-like 17.8 cubic feet. With the rear seat folded, capability expands to 42.7 cubic feet, about the same as a small hatchback.
Safety Features
The CX-3 comes standard with a full suite of safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Rear parking sensors are a $500 dealer-installed accessory.
The CX-3 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
Connectivity
The CX-3's infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, six audio speakers, a USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Navigation is no longer offered.
The CX-3 Sport comes very nicely equipped for a base model in this class. The model comes with adaptive LED headlights, automatic climate control, push button start, and automatic windshield wipers.
The exterior carries a rear spoiler, bright dual exhaust outlets, body-color power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 isn't what it used to be in terms of available features. Even so, the surviving Sport trim provides all the important stuff at a price no one can quibble with.