DecodedCarsMazda CX-3
6 model years from 2016 to 2021, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2016–2021
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Latest engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Best MPG
- 31–31 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- ★★★★★ (2021)
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2016 (48)
- Fewest problems
- 2020
- Interest
- 5,834 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2021 CX-3 in brief
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,987 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 34 highway), 13% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
The Mazda CX-3 has 6 model years in our data, from 2016 to 2021.
Its most efficient year was 2021 at 31 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 31 to 31 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (24), unknown or other (17), fuel/propulsion system (15).
Buying used? 2021 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2016 is the year to avoid.
2016 has the most recalls (3); all years together count 4 campaigns and 111 owner complaints.
How the 2016 CX-3 compares
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,952 lb (AWD).
About the Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured by Mazda. Based on the same platform as the third-generation Mazda2, it was revealed on 19 November 2014 ahead of the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show as a production vehicle for the 2016 model year.
From the Wikipedia article "Mazda CX-3", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2021 CX-3 pros & cons
Full 2021 details →What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Best and worst years to buy used
2021 CX-3
4 owner complaints · 1 recall
NHTSA overall: ★★★★★
Year to avoid2016 CX-3
48 owner complaints · 3 recalls · 4 crash reports
Most reported: Electrical System
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 6 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
CX-3 changes by model year
- 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 6 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 31 MPG | 168.1 in | 2,987 lb | ★★★★★ | 1 | 4 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 31 MPG | 168.1 in | 2,987 lb | ★★★★★ | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 31 MPG | 168.1 in | 2,987 lb | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 31 MPG | 168.1 in | 2,952 lb | ★★★★★ | 1 | 10 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 31 MPG | 168.1 in | 2,952 lb | Not rated | 1 | 21 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 31 MPG | 168.1 in | 2,952 lb | Not rated | 3 | 48 |
Alternatives to the 2021 CX-3
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan Leaf | 226 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota C-HR | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →