Mazda CX-3 range review: Quality compact SUV keeps on keeping on

Age has not wearied the Mazda CX-3

Classed as a small SUV until the light segment was introduced in 2020, the CX-3 has consistently been one of the most popular and highly-rated crossovers in terms of presentation and driver enjoyment.

Launched in 2015, it was one of the first models to feature Mazda’s current design language, which has helped it retain its youthful look – in a showroom you wouldn’t think it has several years on its fresher CX-30 small-SUV sibling.

And, thanks to years of tiny refinements, it is still among the most engaging of smaller SUVs, coping happily with workaday duties and doing highway miles with ease.

2

The only issue with the CX-3 is how long it will hang around. It was withdrawn from the US and European markets in 2021, but its short-term presence in Australia was assured due to its continuing popularity.

However, the success of the new and more practical CX-30, and Mazda’s decision to pare down the CX-3 range in June 2023, suggests it’s now in its twilight phase here despite its heir apparent, likely to be called the CX-20, yet to be formally revealed.

That said, the CX-3 still has a lot to offer toward the end of its lifecycle, which says a lot about its original design.

1

JUMP AHEAD

• What body styles are there?
• 2026 Mazda CX-3 pricing
• What features are in every Mazda CX-3?
• What key features do I get if I spend more?
• How safe is the Mazda CX-3?
• How comfortable and practical is the Mazda CX-3?
• Rear seat space and comfort
• How much boot space does the Mazda CX-3 offer?
• I like driving, will I enjoy the CX-3?
• Which Mazda CX-3 engine uses the least fuel?
• How much can a Mazda CX-3 tow?
• How long is the warranty and what are the Mazda CX-3 servicing costs?
• Which version of the Mazda CX-3 does Wheels recommend?
• What are the Mazda CX-3’s key rivals?

What body styles are there?

Five-door small SUV only.

The CX-3 is now only available in front-wheel drive and is classed as a light SUV.

2026 Mazda CX-3 pricing

The CX-3 range was consolidated in June 2023, when Mazda deleted manual and all-wheel drive variants.

Nomenclature was also changed to reflect the rest of the Mazda stable, with Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Maxx Sport LE and sTouring making way for G20 Pure, G20 Evolve and G20 Touring SP respectively, with the G20 part referring to their 2.0-litre engine. The G20 Akari remains at the top of the range.

2026 Mazda CX-3 pricing (excluding on-road costs):

Back to top

What features are in every Mazda CX-3?

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Auto-folding mirrors
• Cloth upholstery
• Manual height-adjustable front seats
• 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth calling and audio streaming
• Single-zone automatic climate control
• Remote central locking with push button start
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Rear central armrest
• Head-up display
• Six-speaker sound system
• 6x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection (including low-speed rear)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention alert
• Auto high beam
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera

Back to top

1

5

CX-3 Evolve then adds:

• Black machined alloy wheels
• Gloss black mirror caps
• Front parking sensors
• Keyless entry
• LED front fog lights
• Synthetic leather uphoolstery

CX-3 GT SP then adds:

• Black roof
• Black alloy wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Black leather/grey suede upholstery
• 10-way electric driver’s seat with memory functionality
• Heated front seats
• Seven-speaker Bose sound system
• Traffic sign recognition

CX-3 Akari then adds:

• Sunroof
• 18-inch bright machined alloy wheels
• Matrix adaptive high beam
• 360-degree camera
• Black leather upholstery

3

Paint options:

• Snowflake White Pearl
• Platinum Quartz Metallic
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic
• Aero Grey Metallic
• Polymetal Grey
• Machine Grey Metallic
• Jet Black

CX-3 GT SP only available in Aero Grey Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic and Platinum Quartz Metallic.

Back to top

How safe is the Mazda CX-3?

The Mazda CX-3 range is no longer covered by an ANCAP safety rating since the previous five-star result, awarded in 2015, expired in December 2022.

Every CX-3 comes with mandatory stability control and six airbags (dual front, side and curtain).

It also has more active safety and driver assist features than when it was first tested by ANCAP.

1

Back to top

1

How comfortable and practical is the Mazda CX-3?

The CX-3’s front-seat comfort is comparable with any small SUV in this price range, but few will match it for build quality and finish.

Forward vision is impressive thanks to the fairly upright A-pillars at either end of the windscreen.

The placement of the driver’s seat feels spot-on – high enough to command the road, yet low enough to still feel sporty and car-like.

5

The dashboard is almost identical to the Mazda 2’s, which is no bad thing. The head-up display and colour touchscreen, which is standard across the range, is good too.

Also matching the Mazda 2 light passenger car is the distance between the front and rear axles, making the CX-3 feel nippy to steer in the city. However, the body is longer, meaning it’s not quite as easy to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

In top-spec Akari guise, the CX-3 is quite the luxe little tinker, complete with a sunroof, proper leather, trim selectively dimming LED headlamps and a 360-degree parking camera.

Back to top

2

Rear seat space and comfort

Despite the 3 in its name, the CX-3 is based on the Mazda 2, a car that is very likeable if you never have to ride in the rear seat.

There is a little more leg room and knee clearance than the 2, but it’s still quite tight.

Comfort of the seat itself is excellent. It’s mounted quite high – theatre-style – giving passengers a decent view forward, but the side view isn’t great, particularly for children, due to the rising window line.The outer rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX anchors, for easy securing of compatible child seats.

All CX-3 models have two cup holders for rear passengers in a fold-down centre armrest.

Back to top

4

How much boot space does the Mazda CX-3 offer?

Cargo space is again only slightly greater than in the Mazda 2 light hatchback, but its 264-litre capacity is one of the smallest of any SUV.

It can hold a stroller, a pair of suitcases, or lightweight camping gear for a couple. But for a week-long tour with a couple of kids, you would need to pack light or invest in a roof pod.

The rear seats split-fold 60:40 to let you carry up to 1174 litres of stuff.

Back to top

1

I like driving, will I enjoy the CX-3?

Yes, even with the not-very-racy 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the CX-3 is still one of the more enjoyable little SUVs to drive.

Unfortunately, all-wheel drive versions with more sophisticated rear suspension and excellent steering feel are no longer available. But the front-wheel drive, while feeling a little less crisp through bends, still brings hatchback-like ride and handling.All CX-3s feature Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control, which is designed to enhance front-end bite by adjusting engine output momentarily on turn-in.

4

The 2.0-litre engine isn’t as sophisticated or sprightly as the little turbo units in some of the CX-3’s rivals, but it feels lively and works well with the six-speed auto to quickly find the right gear under load quicker than it does in the heavier CX-30 and Mazda 3, even if it does get a little shouty.

Sadly, Mazda also ditched the six-speed manual gearbox shared with the Mazda 2, which is a ripper, shifting with fabulous precision and a beautifully oiled weightiness that makes it feel like it has come from a sports car; if you’re buying a used CX-3 it’s well worth considering.

The CX-3 is a terrific city car and highway tourer. But with a hatchback-like ride height, you won’t want to take this SUV on anything much rougher than gravel.

Back to top

1

Which Mazda CX-3 engine uses the least fuel?

There is just one engine option in the CX-3 range, the 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s very similar to the 2.0 petrol supplied with the newer and slightly bigger CX-30 small SUV.

It is a smooth and strong engine, propelling the CX-3 in a lively – if noisy – manner when worked very hard.The 2.0L petrol consumes about 6.3 litres/100km on the official test.

Back to top

How much can a Mazda CX-3 tow?

The CX-3 can tow a braked load of up to 1200kg.

Unbraked towing capacity is 640kg and its maximum downward tow ball weight is 50kg.

How long is the warranty and what are the Mazda CX-3’s servicing costs?

As per the wider Mazda range, the CX-3 is covered by the brand’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, and a five-year roadside assistance program.

The service schedule for all Mazda CX-3 variants is now 12 months or 15,000km, up from 10,000km previously. Mazda offers capped-price servicing too.

Back to top

1

Which version of the Mazda CX-3 does Wheels recommend?

With a single front-drive automatic powertrain to choose from, picking a CX-3 comes down to cost and features.

The G20 Pure offers good value for under $30,000, but the base G20 Pure is our pick of the bunch.

As well as being well-equipped for its sub-$31,000 retail price, the Touring SP is bringing additional tech and comfort options that allows the CX-3 to keep up with newer rivals – something you’ll appreciate in a few years and at resale time.

Back to top

What are the Mazda CX-3’s key rivals?

• Hyundai Venue
• Kia Stonic
• Toyota Yaris Cross
• Volkswagen T-Cross

Back to top