2021 Mazda CX-3

History/Overview

Mazda has competed in the subcompact crossover class since 2016 with the CX-3, a vehicle based on the Mazda2 the company sells in other markets.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

New for 2021 is a custom appearance package for the mid-range GS trim.

Available Trims

Like last year, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 comes in GX, GS and GT trim levels. All three use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. GX is standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. Optional in GX and standard elsewhere is a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is also optional in GS trim, but standard in GT.

Standard Features

CX-3 GX uses 16-inch steel wheels with covers, automatic-off headlights, power-adjustable side mirrors, keyless entry, and body-colour door handles and rear spoiler.

Inside, GX trim gets a 7.0-inch infotainment display, a six-speaker stereo, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, push-button engine start, power windows, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, manual front seat adjustments, silver door handles, and an electric parking brake.

Standard safety features include tire pressure monitoring, city-speed collision detection with automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

GS trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, premium cloth upholstery, heated front seats, passenger-seat height adjustment, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, a leather-trimmed shifter, soft-touch dash trim, and silver interior trim.

GT trim brings 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, LED headlights/fog lights/taillights, adaptive/auto-leveling headlights, automatic high beams, chrome exterior trim, a seven-speaker stereo, wireless Apple CarPlay, a head-up driver display, navigation, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver’s seat, satin chrome interior trim, suede door inserts, radar cruise control, all-speed collision detection with automatic braking and pedestrian sensing, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and distance recognition support.

Key Options

The new GS custom appearance package adds leatherette upholstery with brown suede inserts, black side mirrors, and trim-specific grille and wheel designs.

A GS leather package brings a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, satin chrome interior trim, and soft-touch dash trim.

Fuel Economy

Mazda’s fuel consumption estimates for the CX-3 are 8.8/7.0 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission and FWD, and 8.3/6.9 with the automatic. The automatic/AWD combo is rated at 8.6/7.4 L/100 km.

Competition

The Mazda CX-3 goes up against the Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi’s RVR, the Nissan Qashqai, Toyota’s C-HR, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Subaru’s Crosstrek, the Ford Ecosport, South Korea’s Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos, and FCA’s Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X.