Mazda CX-3 vs Mazda MAZDA3
Overview | |
Years produced2004-Present | Years produced2016-2022 |
MSRP$24,550 | MSRP$20,390 |
Listings9643 | Listings490 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryCompact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | |
Reviews SummaryTiny 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 | |
Engine2.5L 186 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 148 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 186 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 148 hp I4 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque146 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.2 cu ft | Cargo Space12.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3111 lbs | Curb Weight2809 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height60.7 in |
Length183.5 in | Length168.3 in |
Width70.7 in | Width69.6 in |
Wheelbase107.3 in | Wheelbase101.2 in |
Maximum Payload970 lbs | Maximum Payload1031 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2004-Present | 2016-2022 |
MSRP | $24,550 | $20,390 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Compact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | 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 | 2.5L 186 hp I4 | 2.0L 148 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 186 hp I4 | 2.0L 148 hp I4 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 34 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.2 cu ft | 12.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3111 lbs | 2809 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 60.7 in |
Length | 183.5 in | 168.3 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 69.6 in |
Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 101.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | 1031 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.









































