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.
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine added to the lineup.Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard.12-speaker Bose stereo available with Premium Package only.
PROS Upscale interior design and build quality Advanced safety features come standard Poised handling and refined ride quality
CONS Transmission can be slow to downshift Significant rear blind spots Below-average fuel economy
For the CX-30's sophomore year, Mazda's made virtually no changes to it other than making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both standard features. Mazda also announced the addition of an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 250-hp.
PROS Eager driving dynamics, near-luxury interior trimmings, plenty of standard tech goodies.
CONS Could stand a few more horsepower, offers little added practicality over the Mazda 3 hatchback, occasional transmission stumbles.
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is great-looking, spacious, and more polished and fun-to-drive than other compact competitors, but it’s a step behind in value and features.
PROS Great proportions and styling Polished powertrain Standard active-safety suite Spacious interior layout.
CONS More expensive than alternatives Frustrating options packages Lacks a touchscreen
