2020 Mazda CX-3 review
Mazda CX-3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Stylish interior
- Impressive fuel efficiency
- Engaging driving experience
Cons
- Cramped rear seat
- Limited cargo space
- Firm suspension
Mileage (EPA estimate)
27 city, 32 highway, 29 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2020 Mazda CX-3 is a stylish, fun-to-drive compact crossover SUV
The Mazda CX-3 is a compact five-passenger crossover SUV at the entry point to the carmaker’s SUV lineup. While the design did not change for the 2020 model year, Mazda added several new features to the CX-3, including Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, automatic climate control, and additional advanced driver-assist features. Available in a single trim level—Sport—the CX-3 comes standard with front-wheel drive and can be equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD system. The CX-3’s suspension is tuned for sporty handling, but some buyers may find the ride somewhat rigid and uncomfortable. Front-seat passengers will find comfortable surroundings with intuitive controls; however, the CX-3’s compact size is evident with a cramped rear seat and limited cargo space. With a stylish interior and the fun-to-drive characteristics common with Mazda vehicles, the CX-3 competes well against other compact crossovers like the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, or Kia Soul.
All Mazda CX-3 years
What is new for the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
- The Grand Touring and Touring trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- CX-3 trims have been upgraded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
- The Sport trim now comes with Head Up Display, Lane Departure Warning, and Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
2020 Mazda CX-3 trims
Sport:
- 148-hp, 146-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Cruise Control
- Head Up Display
- Cloth Seats
- Smart Key
- Rear View Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Mirrors
- Automated Cruise Control
- View our Mazda CX-3 Sport inventory
Mazda CX-3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Mazda CX-3
What We Like
Interior: The CX-3 has a clean interior design with an intuitive infotainment system that features an easy-to-read touchscreen display and all controls within reach of the driver. Visibility is good thanks to the low hood and thin roof pillars. Front passengers will find the cabin spacious and comfortable. However, the rear seat is a tight fit for adults with limited legroom.
Value: It’s not unusual for an entry-level model to have a basic, uninspired interior. However, Mazda decided that the CX-3 should have a more premium vibe. The stylish cabin is trimmed in materials that don’t feel cheap, making the CX-3 feel like a higher-end vehicle and worth the cost of entry.
Comfort: Additions to the CX-3 for the 2020 model year elevated the overall comfort of the cabin. Cloth-trimmed front seats are comfortable and offer good support, and the standard automatic climate control is a welcome addition. With its firm but compliant suspension, the ride remains comfortable even on rougher pavement.
What Needs Improvement
Storage: Cargo space is rather tight in the CX-3, even for a compact crossover. Rear seats can be folded, but they don’t entirely fold flat, further impinging on the CX-3’s utility. Bins between the front seats can double as cupholders, but cans and bottles tend to rattle around in the space. The cellphone tray is woefully undersized for the latest phones.
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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
Sport 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Head Up Display
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
148
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 38.4"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P215/60HR16
Rear tires
P215/60HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Mazda CX-3 FAQ
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport offers 29 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway. It is important to remember factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as Eco mode can impact fuel efficiency.
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 2020 Mazda CX-3 has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Mazda CX-3, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Mazda CX-3 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Mazda CX-3:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Automated Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Head Up Display
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