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2019 Mazda CX-3

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Make
Mazda
Model
CX-3
Year
2019
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Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2019 Sport 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility
most popular
Price:   -  From $20,390
2019 Sport 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $21,790
2019 Touring 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $22,475
2019 Touring 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $23,875
2019 Grand Touring 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $25,745
2019 Grand Touring 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $27,145

Overview

As crossovers execute their steady coup over sedans, brands are in a race to provide value in the small, practical packages that good crossovers offer. And crossovers don’t get much smaller than the 2019 Mazda CX-3. It’s a pint-sized SUV with plenty of personality, packing excellent fuel economy and Mazda’s trademark driving dynamics into a stylish package. With a few practical updates for the coming year, it remains at the forefront of the subcompact crossover segment.

What's New for 2019

The 2019 CX-3 gets a substantial refresh, including both aesthetic and mechanical upgrades. The engine has been subtly retuned for a wider torque curve and a couple extra horses. On the interior, the cable-operated parking brake becomes electronic, which makes room for a new center console. Materials are fancier across the board (with a new option for all-leather seats), and more safety equipment is now standard. The exterior and suspension see a few tweaks as well.

Mazda CX-3

Choosing Your Mazda CX-3

Under the hood of every CX-3 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, part of Mazda’s SkyActiv line. It pumps out 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, but the really impressive numbers are the EPA-estimated mileage: 29 miles per gallon city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 combined for front-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive (which is a $1,400 option on all trims) causes a two-mpg drop in all categories, but those are class-leading figures either way.

Where the CX-3 doesn’t lead the pack is cargo space. With 12.4 cubic feet of capacity behind the rear seats and 44.5 cubes with the seats down, the CX-3 has less than even the Mazda 3 hatchback. The rear seats are livable but compact.

The best seat is the one behind the wheel, where you can enjoy the responsive and retuned suspension and the new standard interior. Mazda is trying to pack luxury features into even their smallest cars, which means that all CX-3s have features like push-button start, power side mirrors, a rearview camera, and multiple USB ports. Infotainment options run through a seven-inch central display with voice commands but no touchscreen. More safety features are now included, like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an upgraded tire-pressure monitoring system.

Though the mechanical details don’t change, the rest of the options are doled out across three trims: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

Mazda CX-3

Sport

The 2019 CX-3 Sport starts at $21,365 (all prices include a $975 destination charge) for the front-wheel-drive variant. It rolls on 16-inch alloy rims and has expected tech like Bluetooth hands-free. Mazda’s Smart City Brake system, which provides automatic emergency braking at low speeds, returns on all trims including the Sport.

The big safety additions come in a new i-ACTIVSENSE package, which adds the full suite of technologies for $1,100, including pedestrian detection with more capable automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an active instrument display, and automatic climate control. Mazda hasn’t updated their configurator with standalone option prices, but expect to see them when the CX-3 goes in sale in the coming months.

Mazda CX-3

Touring

The CX-3 Touring, which starts at $23,450, adds a few welcome upgrades. These includes 18-inch alloy rims, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, heated side mirrors, and a leather steering wheel and shift knob. The automatic headlights, climate control, and wipers are all standard as well.

The Touring gets the i-ACTIVSENSE package as well, but because some of the features are already included, the price drops to $1,000. The other available package is a Preferred Equipment Package ($1,410), which adds a power moonroof, a seven-speaker Bose sound system, XM and HD radio, and a cargo cover.

Mazda CX-3

Grand Touring

Mazda pulls out all the stops on the CX-3 Grand Touring, which starts at $26,720. It comes with all options from the lower trims plus all-leather seats, a power moonroof, a head-up display, navigation, and paddle shifters. The exterior gets extra chrome accents as well as upgraded adaptive LED headlights and fog lights.

The only non-standard features come in a Premium Package for $710, which includes a heated steering wheel, traffic sign recognition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a six-way power driver’s seat with memory settings.

CarsDirect Tip

The value sweet spot for the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is the Touring trim, which adds just enough luxury at a modest price increase. The better news is that the zippy handling is present across all three trims. If you love to drive, this is as good a crossover as you’ll find.

Get your price on a Mazda CX-3 »

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

The fun-to-drive 2019 Mazda CX-3 offers sharp handling, competitive fuel economy, a slick design and, for the new model year, more standard advanced safety features. But it also comes with cramped rear quarters, a finicky infotainment system, and a dearth of cargo space behind the rear seats.

Best Value

A relative newbie to the world of subcompact crossovers having made its debut in 2016, starting prices for the 2019 Mazda CX-3 ring in at $21,365 ($975 destination fee included) for a front-wheel-drive Sport model, and can top out at over $29,000 for an all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model finished in optional Soul Red Mica and equipped with the Premium Package.

Changes for 2019 include slightly more horsepower, improved EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers, a revised front grille, a standard rearview camera, an electronic parking brake, a redesigned center console with an armrest and more storage, larger seats with vibration-absorbing urethane foam, a rear center armrest with built-in cupholders, and full leather seats on the Grand Touring trim only.

The entry-level Sport model is well equipped with a feature list that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless push-button start, cruise control, a seven-inch touchscreen, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and hill start assist.

Standard active safety features include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and low-speed (under 19 mph) automatic emergency braking. Mazda's I-Activesense Package, which contains all speed automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning, is optional on Sport and Touring models, and standard on the Grand Touring.

We'd opt for the Touring trim that adds heated outside mirrors, automatic headlights, larger 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, advanced keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, and easier-to-clean leatherette seat trim – at an additional cost of just $2,085.

Our tester was a range-topping Grand Touring model with nearly all the options and priced at a premium for this segment. On top its additional standard features (moonroof, bright exterior trim, adaptive front lighting and automatic high beams, LED headlights, taillights, fog lights and daytime running lights, paddle shifters, leather seat trim, a head-up display, navigation, Bose sound system, HD and satellite radio, all speed automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a rear cargo cover), it also included Soul Red Crystal paint ($595), Rear Bumper Guard ($100), Door Sill Trim Plates ($100), and the Premium Package ($710, auto-dimming rearview mirror, six-way power driver seat with power lumbar and memory, a heated steering wheel, and traffic sign recognition). The MSRP, including destination, was $29,625, which also overlaps the larger and quieter CX-5 Touring model.

This is how we'd build our ideal 2019 CX-3:

  • Model: 2019 Mazda CX-3 Touring
  • Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
  • Output: 148 hp / 146 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 29 City / 34 Hwy
  • Options: Touring I-Activsense Package ($1,000, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive front lighting, LED headlights and taillights, head-up display)
  • Base Price: $23,450 (including a $975 destination fee)
  • Best Value Price: $24,450

Performance

The 2.0-liter normally-aspirated four-cylinder engine is well balanced and mated to a traditional six-speed automatic – a refreshing change in a class that frequently features joyless continuously variable transmissions. Power is adequate, although not particularly overwhelming, and the pairing shines best at highway speeds and on the Grand Touring model that's equipped with paddle shifters.

Steering and handling are spot on, with plenty of feedback through the steering wheel and even better control than last year courtesy of the addition of Mazda's G-Vectoring Control system that dabs the brakes a bit to shift weight forward for a tighter line in cornering. The brakes are also very good and easy to modulate, with a nice initial bite to the pads and excellent feedback through the pedal. Fuel economy numbers are also solid – and improved for 2019 – with an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 31 combined on front-wheel-drive models. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop to 27/32/29 mpg (city/highway/combined).

At the same time, the engine struggles at lower speeds in around-town driving where the lack of power is most apparent. The ride, tuned for handling, is also stiffer than rivals and can feel bumpy over potholes and larger road imperfections, while the paddle shifters – which help wring out the most from the busy engine – aren't offered on either Sport or Touring trims.

Style

Not as visually arresting as either the CX-5 or CX-9, the CX-3's taught, creased sheet metal still translates the design language of the larger vehicles into a shape that isn't overly complicated or fussy and, next to rivals like Toyota's CH-R, drives home the point that busier isn't better.

It begins up front with a smaller version of the brand's signature shield-shape grille – the lower portion of which is outlined by a thin chrome ring that traces its way upward to the narrow headlight enclosure that it bisects. The flanks are much simpler, with aggressive wheel arches, a deep character line just above the rocker (which is trimmed in chrome on Grand Touring models), and a pair of upper character lines. A simple-looking rear fascia features a body-colored upper spoiler, a pair of narrow, horizontal taillights, a flat black lower valance, and a pair of chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.

The body is wrapped around an interior that isn't quite as lush as its larger stablemates, but still consists of a class-above mix of good materials and soft-touch elements. Front seat occupants are treated to comfortable seats – even in the base Sport model – and excellent front and side outward vision. Mazda added more sound-deadening material this year and it shows, especially in around-town driving where the interior is noticeably quieter than last year.

New standard safety features this year also add to the CX-3's appeal. The seven-inch touchscreen, along with the list of surprisingly generous standard features found even on the base model, is impressive, while folding the back seats reveals 44 cubic feet of cargo space.

At the same time, back seat passengers won't appreciate the limited head room and leg room. Cargo room with the rear seats up is just 12.4 cubic feet, while the curved roofline and small rear window limit visibility out the back and rear three-quarters. In addition, the infotainment system can be distracting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available yet (Mazda notes that these features may become available at a future date), while it took a great deal of patience – with very little room to spare – to load a 52cm road bike with the rear seats folded.

The Best and Worst Things

Despite Mazda being known for crafting some of the most fun cars to drive, this small crossover was a pleasant surprise. Although lacking in straight-line acceleration, zipping through the twisty stuff and even maneuvering through tight city streets is a pleasure.

In addition to a paltry 12.4 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, the scant 35 inches of rear leg room is totally inadequate on long trips for anyone other than small children.

Right For? Wrong For?

With slick handling, a beautifully styled and class-above interior, and a value priced Sport model, the 2019 CX-3 should appeal to value-oriented singles and empty-nesters.

Large families will find the limited rear seat space and the lack of cargo room impossible to overcome.

The Bottom Line

Despite cramped rear quarters, a finicky infotainment system, and a dearth of rear seat room and cargo space, the 2019 Mazda CX-3's good looks, class-above interior, solid handling, and competitive fuel economy make it a top choice in its class.









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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 148 HP / 146 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
29 / 34 / 31 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 148 HP / 146 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
29 / 34 / 31 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
12.7 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$48
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
44.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
88 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
168.3 "
Exterior Width
69.6 "
Exterior Height
60.7 "
Front Headroom
38.4 "
Rear Headroom
37.2 "
Front Legroom
41.7 "
Rear Legroom
35.0 "
Front Shoulder Room
53.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
50.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,809 Lbs.
Wheel Base
101 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum / 16.0 " Gray Aluminum / 18.0 " Silver W/painted Accents Aluminum / 18.0 " Gray Aluminum / 18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored / Body-colored With Metal-look Insert / Front Body-colored With Metal-look Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Smart City Brake Support Forward Collision Mitigation / Smart Brake Support Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Monitoring Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Control Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive Front Lighting System Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2019 Mazda CX-3 for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Mazda
Sport
Color: Silver
Price

$15,995

Mileage

78,919 mi

Map location icon

iAuto of Santa Ana (33 mi)

Phone: (714) 486-3465
Mazda
Sport
Color: White
Price

$16,271

Mileage

57,563 mi

Map location icon

Auto Republic Fullerton (26 mi)

Phone: (714) 215-9142
Mazda
Sport
Color: Red
Price

$16,777

Mileage

46,750 mi

Map location icon

Auto Republic Fullerton (26 mi)

Phone: (714) 215-9142
Mazda
Touring
Color: Silver
Price

$16,988

Mileage

49,711 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group - Garden Grove (30 mi)

Phone: (855) 976-5827
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