2018 Mazda CX-3 review
Mazda CX-3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Attractive interior
- Engaging driving experience
- Impressive fuel economy estimates
Cons
- Tight rear seat
- Small cargo space
- Firm suspension
Mileage (EPA estimate)
27 city, 32 highway, 29 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2018 Mazda CX-3 brings style and fun driving dynamics to the compact SUV market
Mazda’s entry-level compact crossover SUV, the CX-3 comes into the 2018 model year with the same styling as the previous year but with additional standard and optional features. All CX-3s come standard with Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support, which provides automatic emergency braking at speeds below 19 mph. Suspension updates and throttle and transmission revisions were made to improve driving dynamics. The improved door seals, thicker rear glass, and sound suppression mats are designed to create a better overall experience behind the wheel. Available in three trim levels—Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring—the CX-3 comes standard with front-wheel drive and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Some may find the ride on the stiff side, but this firm suspension gives the CX-3 its fun-to-drive characteristics. The cabin has a premium vibe, but the single-knob navigation for the infotainment system can be cumbersome and frustrating. The rear seat and cargo space are limited in this small crossover, but its overall drivability and attractive styling keep the CX-3 competitive.
All Mazda CX-3 years
What is new for the 2018 Mazda CX-3?
- CX-3 trims have been upgraded with Leatherette & Cloth as standard equipment this year.
- Memory Seat(s), Power Seat(s), and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
2018 Mazda CX-3 trims
Sport:
- 146-hp, 146-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Smart Key
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- View our Mazda CX-3 Sport inventory
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Sport
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette & Cloth
- View our Mazda CX-3 Touring inventory
Grand Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Touring
- Head Up Display
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Sunroofs
- BOSE Sound System
- Navigation System
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring inventory
Mazda CX-3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Mazda CX-3
What We Like
Driving: Driving performance is one of the CX-3’s strong suits, and it's one of the most enjoyable compact crossovers to drive in its class. It may not win any races, but the CX-3 feels quick. Handling is sharp and responsive, with excellent steering feedback and good stopping power, making it a joy to drive when the road gets twisty and easy to maneuver in the city.
Comfort: The front seats are supremely comfortable, with a firm back and good lateral support during enthusiastic driving. The rear seats are a bit tight, but the outboard seats are plush, and the seatback isn’t too upright. The CX-3 was already quieter than many of its competitors, and with the improvements made to the 2018 model, this has only improved.
Interior: The front doors open wide, making getting in and out easy. Headroom is good, aided by the low seat height, and even the rear seat offers good headroom, although the legroom in the back is pretty tight. Materials are among the best in the class, which gives the small CX-3 a premium feel, especially in the top-level Grand Touring with its synthetic suede trim.
What Needs Improvement
Utility: The cargo area in the CX-3 is relatively small, with just 12.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. With the seats folded, it does expand considerably, but the seats don’t fold completely flat. Up front, there isn’t much storage space—instead of a center armrest bin there’s just a tiny square cubby.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Mazda CX-3 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Mazda CX-3 2nd out of 8 among Subcompact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Mazda CX-3Mazda CX-3 features and specs
Grand Touring 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- BOSE Sound System
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Automated Cruise Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Lane Departure Warning
- Memory Seat(s)
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
146
Torque (ft-lbs)
146
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
12.7
Wheelbase
101.2"
Overall length
168.3"
Width
69.6"
Height
60.7"
Leg room
F 41.7"/R 35"
Head room
F 37.6"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P215/50VR18
Rear tires
P215/50VR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Mazda CX-3 FAQ
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Grand Touring: 29 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- Sport: 29 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- Touring: 29 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
The Mazda CX-3 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Mazda CX-3 as 1 out of 8 among Subcompact SUV
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 has received an average 3.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Mazda CX-3, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Mazda CX-3 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Mazda CX-3:
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Memory Seat(s)
- Power Seat(s)
- Running Boards
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