2020 Mazda CX-3 Review
Price Range: $13,499 - $17,990





+4
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Mazda has gone to great lengths to give the 2020 CX-3 a premium look and feel that's beyond the norm. It has first-rate steering, praiseworthy handling and ride quality, and a cabin that looks grown-up. Though the CX-3 is shy on cargo and rear-seat space, its style and value might just make up for that.
2020 Mazda CX-3 Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- The CX-3 lineup has been reduced to only the Sport trim
- Many more standard advanced safety features
- Added convenience features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Part of the first CX-3 generation introduced for 2016
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.71 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$108/mo for CX-3 Sport
CX-3 Sport
vs
$141/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#2 out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda CX-3 from 2008-2022.$370/yr
vs. $435/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.47x/yr
vs. 0.69x/yr
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).7.9%
vs. 10.7%
for Average Subcompact SUV
for Average Subcompact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Mazda CX-3 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(68%)
4(14%)
3(4%)
2(7%)
1(7%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Best compact SUV by a mile
5 out of 5 starsJim, 10/17/2018
2019 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
The Mazda CX-3 handles better than any other car in its class. I test drove five other vehicles including the Mini, and the Mazda was easily the most fun to drive. My fuel economy to date has been excellent, better than expected. Seat comfort is very important to me for long trips, and once again the CX-3 provides very supportive and comfy seats that come very close to my old Volvo. Love … this compact SUV and the high end feel inside and out.
Miata In CRV Wrapper
5 out of 5 starsOden Hoffer, 06/14/2019
2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
If I had to choose one car for all around purpose, light duty, good gas mileage and over all performance, this car may be the one. I like the color and the fact that it's small, easily cleans and shines well. People have gone out of their way to approach me and praise the paint color. Passengers have complimented me on the ride. More importantly, I find it a comfortable and … affordable vehicle to drive thus far. It is easy to enter and depart from. Front seats feel roomy for a small vehicle. In the GTX which I purchased is very comfortable and fairly quiet. The family enjoys the sun roof and riding environment and experience. I chose this vehicle because it was obtainable in my price range with an upscale package that included some accessories that are missing on many more expensive cars. Navigation, Lane Change Assist, Gravity Assist, Back-up camera with warning assist is just a part of the package. I have a twenty year old Miata and just replaced tires, brakes and plugs on it. It is still very dependable, but smaller and more cramped. I like the CX3 seating better for long trips. It is quieter than Miata, not quiet as good in corners, but darn close. I normally get better gas mileage with CX3 because I am more relaxed while driving. I like having the sport size platform of Miata, with some added head room and a little more living space. Although I average 31mpg, I often find my gas mileage about 41mpg. It seems best during sustained speeds of 60mph or less. Average mileage decreases with speeds over seventy. Twenty-seven miles per gallon is sill okay for speeds between seventy and eighty. Most of my driving is on rural roads.
What a fun to drive, safe little crossover
5 out of 5 starsJTS, 12/08/2018
2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
I've owned my CX3 for several months now and I find myself enjoying the drive more and more. Sure its small but you should know that in research. Test drive it. The car fits my family needs just fine. I'm 6' 2", my wife if 5' 4" and I have a 3.5 year old. A front facing car seat provide comfortable space for my wife and daughter. That was going to be the deal breaker. I wanted a … small, fun car that I could drive in the winter. Already I've snagged a few small parking spots that others dare not. I've been averaging 33 MPG overall. Many times I hit 34/35 mpg for long drives. The car is responsive with the suspension being the start in my book. I like the slightly stiff feel which give an athletic sportiness. Also driving around the city it has a decent amount of pickup and just feels zippy. Flat out acceleration is not going to take your breadth away however. I just opted for the $399 android auto/apple car play upgrade which I consider a must. The entertainment now is complete and I used Waze and Spotify a lot. The trunk is quite small but I've managed regular grocery runs. This car is my commuter and option to take to Mt Rainier with AWD. I think the buyer should be in the marker for a small commuter, fun to drive that can seat adults in the back only on few occasions. Oh yeah and it happens to be the best looking small crossover period.
Happy with my choice!
5 out of 5 starsKelsey, 01/15/2019
2019 Mazda CX-3 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
I chose this car because of the price (especially 0% apr), AWD and comfort while driving. I dont have kids nor much use for my back seat, so the small backseat area doesnt affect me at all, and with the seats down there can be plenty of storage space. I haven't had any problems yet with the rain or snow, and feel much safer driving in those conditions than I did in my Prius! My one … complaint is the small gas tank - although I get good gas mileage I find myself stopping to fill up for often than I would like. I love my seat warmers, climate control, bluetooth functions, safety and design of my CX-3.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Mazda CX-3, so we've included reviews for other years of the CX-3 since its last redesign.
2020 CX-3 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,640 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $108/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.8 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the CX-3 models:
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Warns if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and beeps if you signal a lane change in that direction.
- Smart Brake Support
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond in time.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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