Mazda has quickly become a dark horse in nearly every class it competes in, even in the compact crossover class where Honda’s HR-V has been dominant. The Mazda in question is the CX-3, and it gets the best of the HR-V in many key categories, but can it hold onto its lead in the most important areas to pull off the upset of the HR-V?
Keep reading to find out.
See a side-by-side comparison of the CX-3 & HR-V »
What the CX-3 Gets Right
At $21,805 (destination fees included), the Mazda CX-3 rings in $360 cheaper than the HR-V. No, that’s not a huge difference, but it is enough to sway buyers in this highly competitive segment. In addition to being less expensive, the CX-3 also boasts the premium styling the Mazda Kodo design language provides. This spreads to the interior, which is aggressively styled but not too over the top.
While Mazda's zoom-zoom personality isn’t on full display in the CX-3, it is still in good supply. The 2018 CX-3 delivers tight handling in the corners and its 2.0-liter engine with 146 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque gives it a bit more pop than the Honda. This engine also allows the CX-3 to squeak by the HR-V in fuel economy by one mile per gallon city – the pair are tied on the highway and combined scales.
Mazda has quietly become one of the safer automakers in the industry, and the CX-3 continues this tradition with its IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. The HR-V cannot match this rating due to its “Acceptable” driver-side small-overlap crash test results.
What the HR-V Gets Right
The Honda HR-V, though similarly sized as the CX-3, does a much better job with its cabin. Its 39.3 inches of rear seat leg room is 4.3 inches greater than what the CX-3 offers. Also, its cargo area, which hauls 24.3 cubic feet with the seats up and 58.8 cubes with the seats folded, easily beats the CX-3, which has a max capacity of 44.5 cubic feet.
The HR-V’s interior, while not as quiet as larger crossovers, it far quieter than the CX-3. Mazda claims to have fixed the noise issues, but we have yet to notice any changes.
CX-3 Is Perfect if Flying Solo
The Mazda CX-3 is a great subcompact crossover, as it delivers on so many measurables. However, its tiny rear seat and limited cargo room make it a tough sell to families. If you rarely need the rear seats, the CX-3 is the crossover for you.
Verdict: Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V keeps the competition close in all the areas it loses to the CX-3, but it wins big in the areas that matter to families: cargo room and rear seat room. This it why it barely gets a win against the surging Mazda.
Take a closer look at the Mazda CX-3 »
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