Pros: Agile handling; peppy acceleration with good fuel economy; classy, high-quality interior trimmings; good selection of rare-for-the-class available safety and convenience features
Cons: Stingy cargo capacity and rear-seat space; some tedious infotainment-system controls; fold-down front-seat armrest blocks access to cupholders
CG Says: The 2017 Mazda CX-3 is little changed in its second year. Touring models now have standard 18-inch wheels. The subcompact CX-3 slots below the compact CX-5 in Mazda’s crossover lineup, and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 146-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available features include keyless entry and starting, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, and 18-inch wheels in place of 16s. An “i-Activsense” package for top-line Grand Touring models includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. Even when measured against its similarly diminutive class competitors, the CX-3 is rather tight in rear-seat space and cargo room. However, its sporty driving demeanor, impressive list of available equipment, and all-around refinement make the CX-3 a fine choice in this segment.
| Class | Subcompact SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | Sport: $19,960 AWD Sport: $21,210 Touring: $21,960 AWD Touring: $23,210 Grand Touring: $24,990 AWD Grand Touring: $26,240 |
| Base Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 146 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 27-29 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 32-34 |
