Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3

2026 Honda HR-V
2026 Honda HR-V
$26,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-3
2019 Mazda CX-3
$20,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Honda HR-V
$26,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-3
$20,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1999-2005

Years produced

2016-2022

MSRP

$26,500

MSRP

$20,390

Listings

9281

Listings

496

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Pros

  • Comfortable driver’s seat

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Sluggish performance

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Uncomfortable back seat

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Stylish design

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Cramped back seat

  • Not much cargo space

Reviews Summary

Available in three trim levels equipped with an underpowered engine and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), the HR-V is an unremarkable subcompact SUV. A refresh for the 2026 model year adds an improved standard infotainment system and minor styling and interior modifications, but nothing that addresses this model’s primary shortcomings. The changes include a larger touchscreen with faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging.

Verdict: Simply put, the 2026 HR-V is not one of the best subcompact SUVs. It is dreadfully slow, disappointingly inefficient, and barely meets the minimum technological expectations of the young people who might want to buy it. Plus, it demonstrates none of the innovation seen in the original HR-V and in some competitors in the small SUV segment.

Reviews Summary

Tiny and impractical, comfortably seating just two people, in need of more power, yet plenty of fun to drive, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is the Miata of SUVs. It competes against other inexpensive entry-level crossovers ranging from the Buick Encore to the Toyota C-HR, swapping outright utility for stylish good looks and rousing dynamics. You don’t buy a Mazda CX-3 for off-roading capability or spending sprees at the local IKEA. You buy it because it looks terrific and is a joy to pilot, putting a smile on your face whether you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out for a drive just because.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 148 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

Horsepower

148 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

34
2026 Honda HR-V
2026 Honda HR-V
$26,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-3
2019 Mazda CX-3
$20,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Honda HR-V
$26,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-3
$20,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1999-2005
2016-2022
MSRP
$26,500
$20,390
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.4

4.8

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Comfortable driver’s seat

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • Sluggish performance

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Uncomfortable back seat

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Stylish design

  • Premium interior materials

Cons

  • Cramped back seat

  • Not much cargo space

Summary

Available in three trim levels equipped with an underpowered engine and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), the HR-V is an unremarkable subcompact SUV. A refresh for the 2026 model year adds an improved standard infotainment system and minor styling and interior modifications, but nothing that addresses this model’s primary shortcomings. The changes include a larger touchscreen with faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging.

Verdict: Simply put, the 2026 HR-V is not one of the best subcompact SUVs. It is dreadfully slow, disappointingly inefficient, and barely meets the minimum technological expectations of the young people who might want to buy it. Plus, it demonstrates none of the innovation seen in the original HR-V and in some competitors in the small SUV segment.

Tiny and impractical, comfortably seating just two people, in need of more power, yet plenty of fun to drive, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is the Miata of SUVs. It competes against other inexpensive entry-level crossovers ranging from the Buick Encore to the Toyota C-HR, swapping outright utility for stylish good looks and rousing dynamics. You don’t buy a Mazda CX-3 for off-roading capability or spending sprees at the local IKEA. You buy it because it looks terrific and is a joy to pilot, putting a smile on your face whether you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out for a drive just because.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 158 hp I4
2.0L 148 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
26
29
MPG Highway
32
34
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