For 2019, the Mazda CX-3 receives a refresh that includes new exterior touches, a very slight increase in engine output, redesigned seats, and front and rear center armrests. Some features have also been shuffled between trim levels, and advanced safety features are available across the lineup.
Pros Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy for a crossover Good selection of available driver aids and active safety features
Cons Suspension tuning may be too firm for some Cramped rear seat Below-average cargo space
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 fails to launch in the crossover-SUV space race.
Pros Great, simple exterior shape Good standard touchscreen Standard advanced safety features Competitive fuel economy
Cons Cramped rear seat Not much cargo room with seats up Finicky infotainment system Small safety demerit
the 2019 CX-3 retains its trapezoidal bar grille but has a new inner grille design. New lower chrome trim on the sides complements the carryover side-sill chrome slat, while the headlights carry on unchanged. The rear lights, however, see a new design that’s more similar to those in front, with a round eye accented by straight lines.Inside, Mazda replaced the prior cable-operated parking brake with an electronic unit with an automatic hold feature and incorporated it into the center console next to the rotary infotainment dial. That change opens up some real estate on the console, and the mode selector has been relocated behind the shifter’s PRND indicator, the previous gloss-black surround is gone, the cupholders are repositioned, and the armrest gets a comfier makeover.
Mazda says the front seats, which can be ordered with full leather on top trims for the first time, have been completely redesigned to be wider and more comfortable. The dashboard wears new faux-suede appliqués, the climate-control dials feature flashy red accents, and the rear seats have a new fold-down center armrest with cupholders. Together, these small changes add up to a tidier and classier look.
For 2021 Forward collision warning system can now detect pedestrians at night.
Pros Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy Good selection of driver aids and active safety features
Cons Below-average cargo space Cramped rear seat Suspension tuning could be too firm for some
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is an agile crossover with quick acceleration and good fuel economy, but it lacks rear passenger space and has a limited cargo hold. This vehicle does not have an overall score or ranking because it has not been evaluated for predicted reliability.
Pros Athletic handling Punchy acceleration Upscale interior Long list of standard safety features
Cons Snug rear seat Engine struggles at highway speeds Small cargo space
Mazda has made no changes to its smallest SUV for 2021, as the CX-3 enters the new model year exactly as it was in 2020. Mazda has announced that 2021 will be the final model year for the CX-3.
Pros Spunky driving dynamics, fuel-efficient powertrain, cheeky exterior styling.
Cons Tight rear seat and cargo space, unrefined four-cylinder engine, flinty ride.
