Comparison - Mazda CX-5 2016 - vs - Mazda CX-3 2016

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General

Other Names:

Also called:

CX-5 Maxx

Also called:

Mazda CX-3 Maxx

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2019 Mazda CX 3 Review
2016 Mazda CX-3 small overlap IIHS crash test
Make: 
Model: 
Average Price: 
31,694
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
27,114
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Four Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Year: 
2016
2016
Total Seating: 
5
5
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
15.30gals
12.70gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Blue Reflex Mica
#343761
Crystal White Pearl Mica
#E6E6E8
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
#242F4F
Jet Black Mica
#000000
Meteor Gray Mica
#4A5575
Sonic Silver Metallic
#BBB9BA
Soul Red Metallic
#78191F
Titanium Flash Mica
#75755A
Color: 
Ceramic Metallic
#F1F1F3
Crystal White Pearl Mica
#E6E6E8
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
#242F4F
Dynamic Blue Mica
#0688C6
Jet Black Mica
#000000
Meteor Gray Mica
#4A5575
Soul Red Metallic
#78191F
Titanium Flash Mica
#75755A

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

When you're shopping for crossover SUVs, it can seem like they are all just different flavors of bland. The Mazda CX-5 breaks that mold. It has an engaging driving character, yet it still gives you pretty much everything you're looking for, including great fuel economy. Let's take a closer look at what makes this Mazda tick.

the Mazda CX-5 receives a refresh in the form of minor styling tweaks, improved interior materials, revised suspension tuning, added sound insulation and an updated infotainment interface. New options include LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning, while Bluetooth is now standard across the board. Additionally, a midyear update brings separate 2016.5 models (production after January 2016) that include a standard rearview camera (except manual-transmission Sport), standard heated seats for the Touring trim and standard navigation for both Touring and Grand Touring

Pros
Sporty driving feel that makes you feel secure while cornering
Engines earn great fuel economy
Spacious seating in both rows
Many desirable safety features

Cons
Subpar stereo sound quality, even with the Bose upgrade
Weak acceleration with base engine.

By: 
edmunds.com

Mazda, the maverick, does so much with so little. The Hiroshima-based company almost singlehandedly keeps the affordable-sports-car-flame flickering with the MX-5 and, for the most part, has resisted intertwining its operations with other automakers in ways that would help growth but almost certainly blur its focus. There’s no large pickup or truck-based SUV channeling fat profits into the company coffers, covering the tab for poorly conceived, money-losing offerings elsewhere in the lineup (if Mazda had any). Small in scale compared with other mainstream brands, Mazda’s every model must stand on its own

the 2016 CX-5’s updates at its Los Angeles auto show unveiling, but it’s worth repeating that most of them focus on the cabin and things that the driver and passengers interact with most. In general, the refreshed CX-5’s interior details are classier. There are nicer materials and tasteful accent trim on the dashboard and console. The armrests are more comfortable

Pros
Excellent steering, upgraded cabin design and materials, continuous improvement at its best.

Cons
Sport mode perhaps a bit too sporty, engine idle is grainy.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The Mazda CX-5 ushered in a new era for large SUVs when it was first released back in 2012. With sporty handling, an attractive interior and class leading practicality, it proved that family motoring didn’t have to be boring

For some time the CX-5 was our default choice in this class, but just recently the launch of some newer and more practical rivals has changed the landscape somewhat. Buyers now have the choice of cars such as the brilliant Skoda Kodiaq (available in both five and seven-seat form), along with a host of slightly smaller, but still suitably practical, choices like the Seat Ateca, Peugeot 5008 and VW Tiguan.

But as the increasingly congested SUV class gets more and more competitive, the question is: can the Mazda CX-5 rise to the top once again? Read on to find out exactly how it compares, and which engines, trims and options we recommend.

Therefore, to counter this European onslaught, Mazda has treated its compact SUV to a comprehensive refresh. The design team claims boosts in design, interior quality, performance and driving dynamics, so, despite having a near identical footprint and dimensions to its predecessor, this model is a very different proposition.

Pros
Stylish interior
Comfortable ride
Well equipped

Cons
Not so rewarding to drive
Some rivals have more boot space
No seven-seat option

By: 
whatcar.com

The Mazda CX-5 is a good-looking, reliable crossover that's solidly built, reasonably efficient and fun to drive

One of the very best crossovers you can buy, the Mazda CX-5 is well made, really enjoyable to drive and good-looking too. Recent upgrades have improved the interior ambience and upped the technology levels so it's now on a par with rivals.

The CX-5 came at a crucial time for Mazda. Launched during a tricky period, the company was lacking serious competitors in important market sectors, the fashionable SUV had to be a true saviour. Mazda poured money into a new platform, all-new engines, and a selection of lightweight, fuel-saving technologies - and named the whole package SkyActiv. Happily, the gamble paid off, and the CX-5 is a brilliant crossover. It combines all of Mazda's new tech to great effect and the resulting car is good-looking, practical, impressively efficient, but almost uniquely for a car in this sector, it's fun to drive.

The CX-5's success helped to put Mazda back in the black and the package of SkyActiv technologies has gone on to star across most of the company's range.

Pros
Sharp to drive, good looking, improved interior

Cons
Could be more spacious, limited engine line-up, load floor isn't flat

By: 
autoexpress.co.uk

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport Safety remains among the very best medium SUVs in class, despite stiffer competition of late

The Mazda CX-5 is not exactly a car that has slipped under anyone’s radar here at CarAdvice. Since it launched in 2012 it has consistently ranked as one of our favourite medium SUVs. Its facelift at the start of 2015 only enhanced the appeal.

Our stance to the car has long been reflected in the sales charts too. The Mazda CX-5 is, more often than not, Australia’s top-selling SUV of any sort, and almost always in the overall monthly top 10.

But the medium SUV segment just keeps on booming — no part of the new vehicle market is growing faster — and a swathe of new rivals just keep on launching. First it was the Hyundai Tucson, then the new Kia Sportage. The past few months have also brought with them updates to the Toyota RAV4, Ford Kuga and Subaru Forester

As you can read in our recent comparison test against the Hyundai and Kia — a veritable battle of the class heavyweights — the Mazda still holds up pretty well. But the general consensus is that it’s no longer the undisputed class champion.

Pros
Clever cargo area solutions
MZD Connect infotainment system
Good fuel economy
Excellent and affordable safety tech

Cons
Cloth seats are lacking support
Base 2.0 engine is modest
Warranty term shorter than key rivals

By: 
caradvice.com.au

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is stylish, well-equipped, and one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles in its segment

U.S. car buyers have never before bought as many SUVs and crossover utility vehicles as they're taking home today. Now a growing segment of even smaller entries is offering new options, including the Mazda CX-3. It's the smallest crossover sold by the sporty Japanese brand, slotting neatly below the CX-5 compact SUV.

Through an alternate lens, you can view the new CX-3 as the capacious hatchback that the Mazda 3 doesn't offer. While we love Mazda's compact cars, they're hardly capable of holding four adults. The CX-3 remedies that problem, and adds optional all-wheel drive to boot. Given continuing cheap gas prices and the rising fuel efficiency of SUVs of all sizes, we suspect the CX-3 will do very well. Its sales may be closer to those of the Fiat 500X or the Mini Countryman than Honda's high-volume HR-V, but it's reasonably priced and much more capable for the usual tasks of hauling people and a whole lot of stuff. And it's fun to drive—which can't be said of the Honda or the Chevy.

Pros
Elegant, stylish exterior
Modern, attractive interior
Ample features, great optional extras
Predictive all-wheel drive system
Impressive performance and handling for the segment

Cons
No manual transmission option
Rear seat is very compact
Styling may not age well
Monochrome gauges look cheap

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Stylish, nimble and well-equipped, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is a standout among subcompact crossover SUVs.

Although Mazda is one of the smallest automakers, it keeps cranking out excellent vehicles that stand toe-to-toe with the big boys. A case in point is the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3. A subcompact crossover SUV, the head-turning CX-3 combines the maneuverability of a small hatchback with the extra height of a crossover. It also features available all-wheel drive, Mazda's trademark sporty handling and a stylish, well-equipped cabin with a standard touchscreen interface. All told, it's one of the nicest and most fun-to-drive vehicles in its class.

Another welcome CX-3 trait is its thrifty fuel economy. With front-wheel drive, you'll see an impressive 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA, while the all-wheel-drive version still registers 29 mpg highway. That's about as good as it gets in this segment. Unlike many fuel misers, the CX-3 can also get out of its own way, providing respectable acceleration that takes some of the stress out of highway merging and passing.

Another rival worth trying is the venerable Nissan Juke, which is the quickest of the bunch in a straight line but has comparatively little interior space. They're all worthy candidates, but the 2016 Mazda CX-3 keeps them honest with its strong performance across the board.

Pros
Excellent fuel economy
Sporty handling
Quiet at speed
Attractive, high-quality interior with appealing features.

Cons
Snug rear seat
Humble cargo capacity

By: 
edmunds.com

In our ranking of subcompact SUVs, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is one of the top-rated models. Its handling is more athletic than most, and the CX-3's fuel-economy is at the top of the class. Its cabin is replete with quality materials, and there are lots of standard features. However, the rear seats are a bit cramped, and the CX-3's cargo hold is one of the smallest in the class.

However, a fully loaded CX-3 is still competitively priced in the class, and it's less expensive than several rivals. When you factor in the CX-3's long features list and quality cabin, it's one of the best values among subcompact SUVs.

"An all-new model in the subcompact crossover segment, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 combines a well-built interior, class-best driving dynamics and a small footprint into a curvy body. Excellent fuel mileage, available all-wheel drive and numerous standard and optional features make it one of the top picks in this expanding category." -- Edmunds

"The subcompact-crossover segment is erupting like an overdue volcano-witness the new Chevy Trax, Fiat 500X, and Honda HR-V joining other wee hatchbacks on stilts, such as the Buick Encore, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, Mini Countryman, and Nissan Juke. Now, having spent several hours behind the wheel of Mazda's new CX-3, we think it just may be the most compelling of the bunch." -- Car and Driver

"After a few hours behind the wheel, we were quite impressed with the 2016 Mazda CX-3. It's yet another attractive, fun-to-drive, sophisticated car from Mazda. But then we realized something: Mazda already sells a great small hatchback. It's called the Mazda3. As we thought more about the new CX-3, we struggled to see any tangible benefits of stepping up to this crossover, other than the availability of all-wheel drive." -- Automobile Magazine

Pros
Exciting driving dynamics
Outstanding fuel economy
Lots of standard features

Cons
Small cargo capacity
Cramped back seats

By: 
cars.usnews.com

our Soul Red Mazda CX-3 Maxx compact SUV has become a firm favourite, serving purposefully as our office runabout during the week and doubling up nicely as a weekend warrior. We’ve trekked far and wide in the little soft-roader, racking up plenty of trouble-free clicks.

But while weekend getaways to the Hunter Valley and the south coast of NSW are fine and dandy, the CX-3 hasn’t spent a weekend serving as, let’s be honest, what it was designed to do: an inner-city assault vehicle. That’s why we decided to put it to the test in what can only be considered the Mission from Hell – an IKEA run.

research means grabbing a tape measure, folding down the CX-3’s comfy and quite spacious rear seats, and measuring the available space. With the front passenger seat extended to its most forward position, the little Mazda came in it at a touch under 180cm of available length

To be fair, that’s not the fault of the CX-3. Instead, blame for its shortcoming lies entirely on my over-ambitious shoulders in, somewhat wishfully, thinking I could squeeze a two-metre long bed into a compact SUV.

Pros
Comfortable city crawler
Nimble when needed
Reasonable load capacity
Very easy to park in confined inner-city streets
Thrifty on fuel

Cons
Engine a bit whiny in stop/start traffic
Auto gearbox not always on the money

By: 
caradvice.com.au

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
24.00mpg
29.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
30.00mpg
35.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
16
Cylinders: 
4
Inline
4
Inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.50L
2.00L
Torque: 
185ft-lbs
at 3 250rpm
146ft-lbs
at 2 800rpm
Horsepower: 
184hp
at 5 700rpm
146hp
at 6 000rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
36.70Feet
34.80Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
no
no
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
12V cargo area power outlet(s)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
179.30in
168.30in
Width: 
72.40in
69.60in
Height: 
67.30in
60.90in
Ground Clearance: 
8.50in
6.20in
Front Track: 
62.40in
Rear Track: 
62.50in
Wheel Base: 
106.30in
101.20in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
39.00
37.60
Rear Head Room: 
39.00
37.20
Front Leg Room: 
41.00in
41.70in
Rear leg room: 
39.30in
35.00in
Front Hip Room: 
55.20in
52.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
57.50in
53.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
53.70in
49.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
55.50in
50.40in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
65.40cu.ft
42.30cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
2000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
34.10cu.ft
10.10cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
19.30degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.70degrees
Curb Weight: 
3589.00lbs
2809.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes
More Instruments: 
Low fuel level warning

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
1 one-touch power windows
1 one-touch power windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Multi-level heating passenger seat
6 -way power driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating driver seat
Leather
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather/suede
Rear Seats Features: 
Split-folding rear seatback
Rear ventilation ducts
Folding with storage center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Rear ventilation ducts

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
MacPherson strut front suspension
Front independent suspension
Rear Suspension: 
Multi-link rear suspension
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Stabilizer bar stabilizer bar

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Cargo area light
Dual zone climate controls - driver and passenger
Leather and simulated alloy steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Dual vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
no
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
USB connection
Radio data system
Speed sensitive volume control
9 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input
Bose premium brand speakers
Bose premium brand stereo system
7 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
4 Months of provided satellite radio service
Speed sensitive volume control
Bose premium brand speakers

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Variable intermittent wipers
Rear window wiper
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
19 x 7.0
18 x 7
Wheels more: 
Steel spare wheel
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19
Width: 
215.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated front disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid rear disc brakes
solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
no
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear Parking Sensors
Self-leveling headlights
Post-collision safety system
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
LED headlamp
Rear center 3-point belt
Adaptive headlights
Turn signal mirrors
Rear height adjustable headrests

Options

Packages: 
Grand Touring Technology Package
Exterior Options: 
Clear Film Front Paint Protection Package
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Wheel Locks
Clear Film Rear Bumper Top Protection
Rear Bumper Guard
Roof Rack Side Rails
Crystal White Pearl Mica Paint Charge
Interior Options: 
Door Sill Trim Plates
All-Weather Floor Mats
Cargo Net
Carpeted Cargo Mat
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass and Homelink
Retractable Cargo Cover
Cargo Tray

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
#363636
Black, leather
#D0C9C6
Sand/Parchment, leather
Color: 
Black
#141A1D
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