2020 Mazda CX-3 Review
For this week’s review we’ve gotten our hands on the 2020 Mazda CX-3, the smallest SUV in their line up.The CX-3 has returned unchanged except for a couple trim features discontinued like GT AWD with Nappa Package, and GS AWD with Luxury Package and i-Activsense Package.
Disclosure: Mazda Canada provided me with the 2020 CX-3 for a week to test drive, and photograph. All photos in this blog post was taken by me. #MazdaCX3
ACCELERATION: 7.5/10
2.0L Turbo I4 - 148HP @ 6000 / 146 lb-ft @ 2800
6-speed Automatic
8.5 second 0-100 km/hr (I4 T)
BRAKING: 8.5/10
Light curb weight helps it have a short braking distance
HANDLING: 9/10
Another plus of the light curb weight allows the CX-3 to have very agile reflexes on the road. Overall handling feel and feedback may be the best in this segment.
RIDE: 6.75/10
Out on gravel roads, the suspension is quite firm. It offers a more engaging ride over smooth pavement.
ECONOMY: 8.5/10
FWD - 29/34/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
AWD - 27/32/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
CABIN NOISE: 6.75/10
One of the louder vehicles in this segment. Wind noise isn’t bad but we do get a bit more road noise.
EXTERIOR: 8.5/10
Very attractive, the only thing I would like updated is the grill to be like the Mazda3 or Mazda6 since this grill design is the only thing that looks dated for me!
Being an older car, this design has aged really well. Even with newer vehicles from other brands, the CX-3 still remains as one of the best looking in the top end trim.
INTERIOR FOR DRIVER: 8.5/10
Has power driver seats with 2 position seat memory and tilt/telescopic steering column
Overall seat comfort is good and the materials give a premium appearance. The faux suede material on sections of the doors and dash is nice touch for a car at this price range.
Most drivers who enjoy driving will enjoy this cabin
INTERIOR FOR PASSENGERS: 6.5/10
Because the front hood is so long it reduces the interior space significantly especially in the rear. If you’re regularly transporting people in the rear I would recommend something a bit larger like the CX-30 or CX-5
Combined Legroom:
80.6 - CX-5
80.5 - HR-V
79.6 - EcoSport
76.7 - CX-3
76.5 - Trax
76.3 - Renegade
76.1 - Kona
75.2 - C-HR
Rear Headroom:
40.5 - Renegade
39.0 - CX-5
38.8 - Trax
38.3 - HR-V
38.3 - C-HR
37.8 - Kona
37.5 - EcoSport
37.2 - CX-3
INTERIOR STORAGE: 7.5/10
12.4 Cu Ft with the seats up
On the small side compared to the competition. Under the load floor reveals a bit more cargo space
When the hatch opens the opening doesn’t extend all the way to the bumper which reduces practicality when trying to load taller items.
Has a spare tire space
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: 7.5/10
Infotainment is similar to BMW’s iDrive system
7” colour touchscreen
Supports Android Auto and Apple Car Play
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE 2020 Mazda CX-3:
The CX-3 is the baby SUV from Mazda made for driving enthusiasts rather than those who want something more practical. Rear passenger space and cargo space is limited, but driving dynamics and interior is great for the driver. It’s small form factor make it incredibly easy to parallel park downtown. In terms of safety features it’s excellent and received a 5 star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
If you don’t need rear seat room, or trunk cargo capacity then this could be a good option for you. If the CX-3 is too small, then take a look at the all new CX-30 which slots into their SUV line up in between the CX-3 and CX-5.