2020 Mazda CX-3 Review
If popular small SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are too big or expensive, going with an extra-small SUV is often an excellent thanks to downsizing. The 2020 Mazda CX-3 may be a solid choice therein class. especially, it sets itself aside from the remainder with attractive styling, sporty driving manners, respectable fuel economy figures, and an extended list of features new mazda 6 2021.
For 2020, the CX-3 is merely available during a singular Sport trim as against last year's four choices. With this one model, you get many advanced safety features also as a couple of driver assistants. Still, the CX-3 has some inherent drawbacks, like a below-average cargo space and tight rear seating. the maximum amount as we just like the CX-3, we propose cross-shopping it against the top-rated Hyundai Kona, the roomier Honda HR-V, or the Kia Soul.
Our verdict
Mazda has gone to great lengths to offer the CX-3 a premium look and feel that's beyond the norm. it's first-rate steering, praiseworthy handling and ride quality, and a cabin that appears grown-up. Though the CX-3 is shy on cargo and rear-seat space, its style and value might just structure for that.
How does it drive?
Power is quite adequate for typical city driving, and therefore the CX-3 has no issues merging with highway traffic. But once up to hurry, passing on the highway, or maybe maintaining speed on long uphill grades, requires near-maximum throttle.
Despite the shortage of power, the CX-3 remains one among the higher cars to drive within the class. The CX-3's steering makes it easy to guide through fast, flowing turns. But the tires howl even at very modest cornering speeds, putting a damper on what proportion fun you'll wear a deserted winding road.
How comfortable is it?
The Mazda distinguishes itself within the class because of its firm but compliant suspension. Body control is superb for the category, and everything from speed bumps to high-speed highway dips are dispatched beautifully. Likewise, broken pavement doesn't faze the mazda cx 5.
Most people will find the front seats of the CX-3 agreeable and cozy, though the seats come up a touch short on the thigh and back support for larger-framed folks. Imperfect roads introduce a good amount of road noise into the cabin. But that pales next to the noise the engine makes under hard acceleration.
2020 Mazda CX-3 interior
A clean and minimalistic approach puts all controls within the driver's reach. the middle display has touchscreen ability, and it is also controllable by an easy-to-use knob near the shifter. The screen thankfully doesn't wash call at sunlight. because of a coffee hood and thin roof pillars, visibility is generous when you are looking forward. Rear visibility is adequate.
Front passengers enjoy a comparatively spacious interior with ample shoulder and legroom also as room round the driver's hands. Adults seated within the rear have fairly tight legroom, especially if the front passengers are tall. But children should have enough room back there.
How’s the tech?
The CX-3 is at or near the highest of the category with its intuitive and versatile infotainment interface, alongside driver assistance niceties like traffic-adaptive control. there is no native navigation system, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment. With better integration together with your phone and more natural voice control, we prefer these alternatives to the navigation systems in other Mazdas anyway.
How’s the storage?
Cargo space behind the rear seats may be a bit on the tight side, even for this class of auto. That said, folding the rear seats from the cargo deck is straightforward to try because the latch on the seatback is within distance. The rear seats don't fold completely flat but still go quite low.
Front passengers get bins within the center console which will double as cupholders, but not as excellent ones — cans and bottles rattle about constantly. there is a tray for cellphone storage, but it's frustratingly small for the newest phones.
As for child duty, the CX-3's rear car-seat anchors are visible and straightforward to access. you will need to slip the front seats forward a touch to suit a rear-facing safety seat, but access through the rear doors is sweet for installation and removal.
How economical is it?
The EPA estimates the front-wheel-drive CX-3 will get 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is on par with competitors from Honda and Hyundai. With all-wheel drive, that number drops to 29 mpg. On our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route, our front-wheel-drive CX-3 test vehicle returned 31 mpg.
Is it an good value?
While most small crossovers echo their subcompact roots with swaths of hard plastic and uninspired styling, Mazda has decided that tiny vehicles do not have to seem or feel inexpensive. It's easily the foremost premium-feeling vehicle within the class. Overall, the CX-3 easily justifies its cost.
Which CX-3 does Edmunds recommend?
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is now only available within the Sport trim level with no options. Essentially you simply got to choose a color and choose if you would like all-wheel drive.
Mazda CX-3 models
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 may be a subcompact SUV that's offered during a single Sport trim level.
The CX-3 Sport feature highlights include:
148-horsepower four-cylinder engine
Six-speed automatic drive
Adaptive headlights that aim the sunshine through turns
Automatic climate control
It also comes with technology features such as:
A 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Forward collision mitigation that automatically hits the brakes if you do not react in time
A blind-spot monitor to allow you to know if a vehicle is lurking off to the side
Lane departure warning to stay you from drifting out of your lane
Adaptive control that reduces the number of the burdens of driving
2020 Mazda CX-3 Price
2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport MSRP $20,640
Safety
Our experts’ favorite CX-3 safety features:
Blind-Spot Monitor
Warns if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and beeps if you
signal a lane change therein direction.
Smart Brake Support
Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes automatically if the driving force doesn't respond in time.
Lane Departure Warning
Alerts the driving force if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall 5 / 5
Driver 5 / 5
Passenger 5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall 5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall 5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger 5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat 5 / 5
Back Seat 5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result No Tip
Risk Of Rollover 13.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance
Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
·
Side Impact Test Good
·
Roof Strength Test Good
·
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint Good
·
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Not Tested
·
Moderate Overlap Front Test Good
Mazda CX-3 vs. the competition
Mazda CX-3 vs. Hyundai Kona
The Mazda is definitely the foremost handsome pick within the subcompact SUV class, while the Hyundai Kona may be a little bit of an unsightly duckling, though it's the substance to battle the CX-3's style. The Kona's turbocharged engine option is way more enjoyable, and therefore the Hyundai provides many features for the cash .
Compare Mazda CX-3 & Hyundai Kona features⇒
Compare Mazda CX-3 & Hyundai Kona features⇒
Mazda CX-3 vs. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has been completely redesigned for 2020 and comes in a powerful second place in Edmunds' rankings for the category . it is a funky-cool counterpoint to the CX-3's sleek refinement in terms of personality. The Soul's boxy shape allows for more room inside, and its fun-to-drive character matches its style.
Compare Mazda CX-3 & Kia Soul features⇒
Compare Mazda CX-3 & Kia Soul features⇒
Mazda CX-3 vs. Honda HR-V
We give the Honda HR-V points for its relatively roomy interior, flexible cargo space and powerful fuel economy figures. It's held back (quite literally) by its weak engine and resulting slow acceleration. We're also no fans of how the engine sounds when you're trying to accelerate, and therefore the infotainment interface are often challenging to work . But if you would like more cargo space than what the CX-3 provides, the Honda is that the more sensible choice .