2016 Mazda CX-3 Crossover Review +VIDEO
The new Mazda CX-3 is right sized for urban living
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
New vehicle sales in the U.S. have just been reported and July marks the 23rd consecutive month that light trucks have outsold cars. For the year, U.S. light truck sales, which includes SUVs, have increased 11 percent while cars sales have dropped 1.8 percent.
More than half of new vehicle sales each month have been light trucks and the emerging small-SUV segment is estimated to grow more than 80 percent in the next few years.
Enter the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-3 based on the Mazda2 platform. A sporty, subcompact crossover SUV priced starting at $19,960.
![]() |
As we have seen from Mazda on its other new vehicles, the CX-3 follows the KODO-Soul of Motion design philosophy and incorporates Mazda’s signature SKYACTIV technology encompassing engine, transmission, suspension and body structure.
Perhaps the CX-3 is the best interpretation yet of KODO design. The CX-3 is very wide compared to its height, almost nine inches wider than it is tall. In person, to me, the CX-3 is very striking and appealing, especially from the rear. With its long hood, short overhangs, large wheels and slim cabin the CX-3 presents very pleasing proportions.
![]() |
Inside the CX-3 has a push-button starter and Mazda Connect infotainment offering Bluetooth phone pairing, audio streaming, USB ports for phone charging and entertainment connectivity and Commander control knob, as well as a seven-inch color touchscreen interface with a built-in backup monitor.
Offered in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels, all CX-3s come with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. EPA test estimated fuel economy rating for the front drive CX-3 is a class-leading 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, with 31 mpg combined. For the i-ACTIV AWD models, available on any of the three trims level, EPA test fuel economy ratings are 27 city mpg, 32 highway mpg, with 29 mpg combined.
![]() |
At 168.3 inches of overall length the CX-3 is very big-city friendly for easy maneuvering and parking. The rear cargo area provides 12.4 cuft of space below the cargo cover. Fold the rear seat and that opens up to 44.5 cuft up to the ceiling.
On our drive through Ventura County outside of Los Angeles and along the twisty roads leading to the Pacific beachfront we found the CX-3 to have excellent road manners with good ride and handling, as you would expect in the Mazda sporty tradition. Steering is well balanced with good feedback and effort. The CX-3 is quite sporty and fun to drive.
![]() |
![]() |
All 2016 CX-3s also have backup camera and push-button starter as well as power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry. The lowest priced CX-3 Sport ($19,960) is very well equipped. The CX-3 Touring, priced at $21,960, gets you leatherette seating surfaces with cloth inserts, heated seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, heated door mirrors, a center armrest and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. The available Touring Technology Package priced at $1,410 adds a one- touch power moonroof, SiriusXM and HD radio and a rear cargo cover.
![]() |
Mazda's predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available for $1,250 and all three trims. Mazda’s AWD system takes temperature, road conditions, steering-angle and weather into account, among other factors, to help optimize to which wheels engine power is routed for maximum performance and stability. How does the CX-3 know the weather? Well, it knows when the windshield wipers are on.
More detailed information and specs on the complete 2016 Mazda CX-3 model line is only a mouse click away at www.mazdausa.com. If you want to compare the 2016 Mazda CX-3 to other compact crossover SUVs you can do that right here on TheAutoChannel.com.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is expected to be on sale in the U.S. in mid-August.
© 2015 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
The Most In-Depth Mazda Vehicle Shopper's Research - Anywhere!