Used 2021 MAZDA CX-3

For a driver, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 remains one of the more enjoyable subcompact SUV/crossovers, thanks to its excellent seating position and sporty well-tuned suspension. The cabin also exudes quality. There’s not a lot of space for rear passengers and cargo, however.

Competitors are many. They include the Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Venue, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Nissan Rogue Sport, Toyota CH-R, and even the slightly roomier Mazda CX-30.

This subcompact crossover/SUV has much to recommend it, though. Such as fun dynamics, impressive safety features, reasonable pricing, fuel efficiency, and solid resale values.

Running with a mere 148 horsepower, the 2021 CX-3 is not exactly a speed machine. But a well-tuned chassis and precise steering make this Mazda a remarkably pleasant daily driver. This is enhanced by well-timed shifts of the standard 6-speed automatic transmission, which also has Sport and manual modes.

Thanks to its subcompact dimensions, the CX-3 is handy in town. It can dart into those gaps in traffic, and it’s easy to park. Despite not being especially quick, the CX-3 still hits 60 mph sooner than a Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota C-HR, or a Nissan Kicks, so that’s one less thing to worry about when merging onto freeways.

Although technically not an off-roader, the all-wheel-drive version of the CX-3 acquits itself quite well in snowy and muddy conditions.

The overall interior style of the 2021 CX-3 is thoroughly modern, thanks to a 7-inch color touchscreen and a multi-function controller. It also has an upscale look. Among the many premium features are an electronic parking brake, push-button starter, and a 6-speaker audio system. Life in a CX-3 is pretty good when sitting up front.

Compared with the Honda HR-V, 17.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats is not a lot. Some owners might like to keep the split rear seat folded all the time and use the Mazda CX-3 as a 2-seater with a maximum of 42.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The HR-V also has four more inches of rear legroom than the CX-3’s 35 inches.

The Mazda CX-3 has an almost sporty silhouette, thanks to its long nose and sleek cabin. It looks particularly good in Mazda’s wonderful Soul Red Crystal Metallic color. The black grille and the dual stainless steel exhaust outlets complement the overall look.

This sleek shape has a downside, however. Practicality is compromised. This means cramped quarters for rear passengers and less cargo space than in some of the CX-3’s boxier competitors.

APPLE CARPLAY
Standard in the Mazda CX-3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto link a smartphone to the vehicle for fast and familiar infotainment operation. It’s especially useful for navigation apps, hands-free texting, and streaming music and podcasts.

LED LIGHTING
Often found in pricier vehicles, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights are standard on the 2021 CX-3. The self-leveling LED headlights also have an automatic off/on feature (improved for 2021).

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport and manual shift modes. The Mazda Connect infotainment system, also standard, includes a dash-mounted 7-inch monitor, voice control, and a multi-function dial that looks as if it belongs in a European luxury car.

Also part of the CX-3’s inventory of standard equipment are active cruise control, LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry/ignition, power windows/locks, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone/audio streaming, USB port, forward-collision mitigation now with nighttime pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The most significant option for the 2021 CX-3 is all-wheel drive. It’s $1,400 well spent for those who live in areas where rough weather is expected rather than a freak event.

Other features to add to a new CX-3 include rear parking sensors, upgraded interior lighting, and a frameless self-dimming rearview mirror with a garage door opener.

A refined, direct-injected, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine sends 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque through a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission to drive either the front wheels (FWD) or all four (AWD). This form of transmission is preferred over the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that most rivals use, especially from the perspective of driver engagement. It’s smooth and quick to respond, and it doesn’t drone, as so many CVTs tend to do.

2.0-liter inline-4
148 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
146 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/34 mpg (FWD), 27/32 mpg (AWD)