Used 2018 Mazda CX-3 for Sale nearMadison, WI

How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 324 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Mazda CX-3 earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its great handling, smooth ride, and attractive design. The compact size and AWD capability also come through as recurring strengths, and the cabin’s more luxurious feel helps it stand out for shoppers who want a small crossover with a premium vibe. That lines up with the model’s focus on sharp handling and a well-finished interior, though the compact footprint means it suits you best if you value driving feel and refinement more than maximum space.

Only 34.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market has some value opportunities but not a flood of them.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as dependable and trouble-free, and the feedback also points to a car you can count on for enjoyable everyday use. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by emphasizing the CX-3’s improved refinement and the durability-minded updates to its suspension and cabin insulation. Mazda’s added standard safety equipment this year also supports confidence in long-term ownership.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about outright reliability and more about finding a well-kept example, since condition and maintenance history matter a lot on a compact crossover that may have been used as a daily commuter.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Mazda CX-3?

At 57.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing has any accident record. Focus on body condition, repair quality, and whether the car’s handling and cabin refinement still feel tight and well sorted. Because this model’s appeal is tied to its driving feel and polished interior, you’ll want to make sure wear and repairs haven’t dulled those strengths.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim gets 16-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen with a reversing camera, app integration through Mazda Connect, cruise control, Bluetooth, air conditioning, and a 6-speaker stereo with CD player. The Touring adds 18-inch alloys, auto headlights and wipers, heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto climate controls, heated mirrors, proximity entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. The Grand Touring adds full exterior LEDs, leather-trimmed seats with Alcantara inserts, a head-up display, paddle shifters, and navigation.
• Powertrain: Every CX-3 uses the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 146 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, with strong real-world efficiency and quick acceleration for the class.
• Safety package: The CX-3 includes low-speed emergency braking as standard, and the available advanced safety systems expand on higher trims. The Premium Package adds upgraded forward-collision warning and auto-braking, adaptive cruise, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Some of the more advanced safety systems are not available on the Touring trim.
• Infotainment: The CX-3 uses a 7-inch touchscreen with Mazda Connect, but it does not offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The head-up display is available on higher trims, and the Grand Touring’s traffic-sign recognition adds useful information to that setup.
• Fuel efficiency: The CX-3 is rated at 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, and the expert evaluation notes that real-world driving can come close to those figures.

Which 2018 Mazda CX-3 trim should I buy?

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is offered in 3 trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the value play if you want the CX-3’s core strengths at the lowest price. You still get the redesigned suspension, standard low-speed emergency braking, a 7-inch touchscreen, and the same 2.0-liter engine as every other trim.
• Touring: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the most useful comfort and convenience upgrades, including heated seats, auto climate controls, proximity entry, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want the most upscale CX-3 experience, with leather-trimmed seats, a head-up display, navigation, and the available Premium Package safety upgrades.

Mazda notes that the Touring trim is a strong place to land, while the Grand Touring with the Premium Package is the best route if you want the latest safety tech.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Mazda CX-3?

This is a moderate market, so you can be selective without expecting a deep buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 34.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 324 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,317, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Mazda CX-3's resale value?

The current average of $14,897 sits slightly below last year's $14,986.

That small decline suggests the CX-3 has held value fairly steadily rather than swinging sharply in either direction. For a future seller, that kind of stability is helpful because it points to a market that is still willing to pay for the model’s mix of style, handling, and efficiency. If you keep the car in good condition and maintain it well, you should be able to stay aligned with a market that has been relatively consistent.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 safe?

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The CX-3 includes low-speed emergency braking as standard, and Mazda also makes more advanced safety systems available on higher trims. Those upgrades include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts on the Touring, plus the Premium Package’s upgraded forward-collision warning and auto-braking, adaptive cruise, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. The main caveat is that some of the more advanced safety features are not available until higher trims or packages.

Should I buy a 2018 Mazda CX-3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 34.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Mazda added standard low-speed emergency braking and improved the suspension this year.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $15,796, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $14,897 average.
• It adds more style and sophistication while keeping the CX-3’s fun-to-drive character.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2018 is the smarter buy because it combines strong owner satisfaction, steady pricing, and meaningful safety updates. If you’re willing to pay more for a fresher-feeling take on the same formula, the 2019 is the better alternative.

How does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 compare to the 2018 Honda HR-V?

Our experts score the 2018 Mazda CX-3 8/10 and the 2018 Honda HR-V 6.7/10.

The CX-3 is the better pick if you care more about driving feel, efficiency, and a more premium-feeling cabin. The HR-V counters with more listings and a slightly lower starting price, but the CX-3 has the stronger expert score, better city fuel economy, and a higher share of good or great deals. If you want the more engaging small crossover, the Mazda is the one to focus on; if you want broader shopping inventory, the Honda has the edge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.