2026 Mazda CX-3 review

Australia loves theMazda CX-3.

Launched in 2015, the Japanese automaker’s spunky SUV took the market by storm and hasn’t relinquished its crown. It remains the reigning champion of the light SUV segment.

But a storm is brewing on the horizon for these beloved models. While whispers from Japan suggest the Mazda 2 and CX-3 are nearing their final curtain call by year’s end, Australian drivers can breathe a collective sigh of relief – for now. Mazda assures that Down Under, the journey continues.

Nevertheless, both models are now 11 years old, and nothing lasts forever…

So, should you race into a Mazda showroom to pick up a CX-3 before it’s too late?

How much does the Mazda CX-3 cost?

The Mazda CX-3: a decade of refinement, reflected in its price. Entry into the G20 Pure now demands $30,370 (before you hit the road). But today, we’re sliding behind the wheel of something a little more…evolved. Prepare for the G20 Evolve.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 Pure | $30,370 | |2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve|$32,100| | 2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 GT SP | $35,330 | | 2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 Akari | $38,890 |

Remember the days when a brand-new Mazda CX-3 with a stick shift could be yours for a mere $19,990 (before on-road costs)? Flashback to 2015, when this spunky little crossover first landed in Australia, offering driving enthusiasts an affordable taste of Zoom-Zoom fun.

Forget gazing into the rearview mirror or dreaming about future adventures. The Mazda CX-3 Evolve plants you firmly in the present, going head-to-head with a vibrant roster of compact SUVs. Think of it as a showdown between the CX-3 Evolve and contenders like the Chery Tiggo 4, MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion, Kia Stonic, Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Juke, and the Skoda Kamiq. The prize? Your driveway.

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Let us help you find your new car

Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.

"Travis and his team delivered outstanding service, again! As a repeat customer, I wouldn’t trust anyone else. For reliable expertise and a hassle-free experience, look no further – I wholeheartedly recommend them!"

Craig C.

Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

childcareman.xyz helped Craig save $7,224 on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.

Get your BEST price

What is the Mazda CX-3 like on the inside?

The CX-3’s sheet metal still turns heads, but stepping inside is like teleporting to a bygone era of car design.

Ditch the DeLorean, because the CX-3’s infotainment screen and instrument cluster teleport you straight back to the Stone Age. While rivals like the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4, Skoda Kamiq, and even the Toyota Yaris Cross flaunt their gleaming touchscreens, the CX-3 clings to its fuzzy, almost prehistoric display, leaving you feeling like you’re watching dial-up internet on a pocket calculator.

The tech stumbles hard on functionality. The infotainment system? A touchscreen tease only accessible when crawling along or parked. And the native navigation, despite its promise, flatlined during our entire test, offering no guidance whatsoever.

The graphics are poor by 2025 standards, and the infotainment system is consistently slow to respond to inputs.

While the wireless connection proved finicky, causing frustrating dropouts, the Mazda CX-3’s saving grace is its seamless CarPlay integration, truly unlocking the potential of its infotainment screen.

Our spotty connection forced us to rely on the hidden USB-A ports tucked beneath the center stack. Remember your trusty cable – USB-C is a no-show.

Important driving data can be found in two places – the instrument cluster and head-up display.

The instrument cluster offers a mix of old and new. While a prominent central tachometer and digital speed readout provide essential information, the twin digital displays feel stuck in the past, offering zero customization. Think of it as a comforting, if somewhat outdated, handshake for those familiar with vintage dashboards – clear, concise, but undeniably basic.

The CX-3’s age shows, yet a ghostly heads-up display floats speed and cruise data on the windshield, a futuristic wink in an otherwise dated interior. Is this enough to keep Mazda’s subcompact relevant in 2025?

The CX-3’s beauty lies in its straightforward nature, a refreshing antidote to the overly complex. Adjusting the climate is intuitive; summoning your favorite tunes from different sources requires no deciphering. Its user-friendliness isn’t a compromise, but a carefully considered design choice that resonates deeply with drivers who value uncomplicated control.

Clarity is a virtue, but not a shield. The CX-3’s simple nature is commendable, yet simplicity alone can’t excuse its flaws.

While tech might leap ahead in the blink of an eye, the CX-3’s interior materials hold their own. Yes, like its rivals, hard plastics are part of the landscape, but this Evolve trim level elevates the experience with sleek black leatherette that adds a touch of class.

Beyond the supportive seats, the Evolve’s cabin whispers luxury with soft-touch materials gracing the door cards, center console, and dash. It’s a noticeable step upmarket. The only lament? The vanished ‘White Maztex/Tan Grand Luxe Synthetic Suede’ upholstery. Its vibrant pop of color is sorely missed, leaving the interior feeling just a tad too serious.

Forget flashy first impressions. The CX-3 may not scream "look at me!" like a Tiggo 4, but where it truly counts – the touchpoints you experience every drive – Mazda delivers a tangible quality that endures.

Sink into the faux leather seats and discover a surprisingly supportive haven. Finding your perfect driving position is a breeze, thanks to the generous manual adjustments in both the front seats and the steering wheel. The seats themselves hug you comfortably, providing excellent lateral support and just the right amount of cushioning for those long hauls.

Don’t let the CX-3’s compact size fool you – its cabin is a masterclass in space utilization. The glovebox? Surprisingly cavernous. Think Mary Poppins’ carpet bag, but for maps and mints. And forget frantic fumbling for your phone, shades, or that rogue water bottle; the front row is peppered with perfectly placed nooks and crannies, keeping everything shipshape and accessible.

As for the second row, well that’s a different story altogether.

It’s difficult enough to get people back there, let alone their belongings.

Forget legroom; entering the rear felt like a yoga audition gone wrong. I’m no contortionist, yet I practically needed to be to wedge myself behind the driver’s seat. Headroom? Let’s just say anyone over five-ten in the back will be intimately acquainted with the headliner. This space is strictly for the under-12 set, unless you enjoy involuntary chiropractic adjustments.

Creature comforts are scarce: prepare to unplug, literally, as phone charging and air conditioning are absent. Fear not, though! A humble center armrest, complete with cupholders, and door-side bottle holsters offer a modicum of civilized convenience amidst the austerity.

Forget cramped carpool nightmares! While many small SUVs treat the back seat like an afterthought, the Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO actually offer space for real-life humans. Choose wisely, family adventurers.

The CX-3’s boot space? Let’s just say packing for a weekend getaway might require some serious Tetris skills. At a paltry 264 litres, it’s like Mazda forgot luggage existed. You get a whole 100 litres MORE in a Mahindra – enough for an extra suitcase full of souvenirs! And a Nissan Juke? That swallows a colossal 158 litres more. Basically, the CX-3’s boot is less ‘family road trip’ and more ‘romantic picnic for two…with very light snacks’.

Unlock a cavernous cargo area in seconds by folding down the rear seats – instant flat-load floor transformation! Need even more secret stash space? Discover the hidden compartment beneath the boot floor, perfect for safeguarding valuables or tucking away rarely used essentials.

All variants of the CX-3 come with a space-saver spare tyre.

| Dimensions | Mazda CX-3 | | — | — | | Length | 4275mm | | Width | 1765mm | | Height | 1535mm | | Wheelbase | 2570mm | | Boot space | 264-1174L |

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Beneath the CX-3’s sculpted hood lies a spirited 2.0-litre engine, a heart that beats with 110kW and 195Nm of torque, ready to inject every drive with pure Mazda energy.

| Model | Mazda CX-3 G20 | | — | — | | Engine | 2.0L 4cyl petrol | | Power | 110kW @ 6000rpm | | Torque | 195Nm @ 2800rpm | | Transmission | 6-speed automatic | | Driven wheels | Front-wheel drive | | Weight | 1294kg | | Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.3L/100km | | Fuel economy (as tested) | 8.6L/100km | | Fuel tank size | 48L | | Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded | | CO2 emissions | 143g/km | | Braked towing capacity | 1535kg |

The fuel consumption wasn’t exactly frugal. After a week battling city streets, the trip computer stubbornly displayed 9L/100km. A little forced induction or a touch of hybrid magic would undoubtedly quench this thirst.

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Mazda CX-3 drive?

The CX-3 may be an ageing model, but it’s still full of youthful energy.

Forget yesterday’s gas guzzlers. Today’s engines are boosted and electrified, delivering a symphony of power and efficiency previously unheard of. Turbochargers and hybrid systems aren’t just trends; they’re rewriting the rules of performance.

However, the CX-3 proves that naturally aspirated engines still have a place in the automotive landscape.

Beneath the Mazda CX-3’s hood lies a gem: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that punches far above its weight. It’s a spunky powerplant, delivering a satisfying surge of torque off the line and a playful eagerness as you climb through the rev range. This eager engine transforms the CX-3 into a surprisingly spirited runabout, ready to tackle city streets and open roads with equal aplomb.

The CX-3, much like a seasoned marathon runner, delivers performance with grace and precision. However, it prefers a spirited pace; without a turbocharger or electric boost, you’ll need to wind it up to truly unleash its potential, filling the cabin with a lively engine note.

Gone are the days of clutching and shifting. The CX-3 now dances exclusively to the rhythm of a silken six-speed automatic. It navigates the stop-and-go grind with effortless grace, making your daily commute feel less like a chore and more like a carefully choreographed waltz. Still, one can’t help but dream of adding a dash more spice – perhaps a set of paddle shifters to truly command the road.

However, the CX-3 is still more enjoyable to drive than a lot of newer counterparts that feel remote and removed.

Forget featherweight, disconnected controls. The CX-3’s pedals offer satisfying resistance, while the steering wheel telegraphs every nuance of the road. Dare to attack corners; the CX-3 dances through them with surprising agility, pivoting with the eagerness of a seasoned athlete.

Despite its sporty SUV leanings, the CX-3 shrugs off bumps and bruises with surprising grace. It’s a master of urban composure, gliding over road imperfections like a seasoned skater, making potholes and expansion joints mere blips on your radar.

Excellent outward visibility and the fitment of a reversing camera, albeit grainy in resolution, enhance the appeal for urban buyers.

However, don’t think the open road is a CX-3’s happy place. Cityscapes? Absolutely. But on the highway, it’s a bit like asking a fish to climb a tree. Rural and regional drivers might find it wanting.

At higher speeds, especially when the tarmac turns to gravel, the CX-3’s sound insulation falls short, amplifying road and tire noise to an intrusive degree. This aural assault undermines the sense of solidity one expects from a modern SUV in this class, leaving the CX-3 feeling less robust than its rivals.

It does, however, feel more grown up than the Mazda 2 that it shares a platform with.

Trusted Reviews, Smarter Choices, Better Prices

Ditch the Car-Buying Chaos! Childcareman.xyz delivers expert car reviews, personalized guidance, and real savings – all in one place. Find your perfect new car, without the dealership drama.

View showroom

Compare cars

Find a deal

This year, adaptive cruise control becomes standard across the board – a godsend for long-haul commuters. Just remember, keep your hands on the wheel; lane centering is still MIA.

The CX-3’s seasoned maturity offers a refreshing perk: freedom from the intrusive, joy-robbing safety tech that plagues modern cars. During our test, the forward collision warning piped up only once – a welcome respite from the incessant digital nagging found elsewhere. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less is truly more when it comes to enjoying the open road.

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

There are four trim levels in the CX-3 range.

2025 Mazda Pure equipment highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lights
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Head-up display
• 8.0-inch infotainment screen
• Wired Android Auto
• Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay
• Satellite navigation
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Climate control air-conditioning
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Six-speaker sound system
• DAB+ digital radio
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Cloth upholstery
• Electric parking brake with auto hold
• Keyless start

The Evolve adds:

• 18-inch black machined alloy wheels
• LED front fog lights
• Keyless entry
• Black leatherette upholstery, including on centre console and door trims

The GT SP adds:

• Heated power-folding exterior mirrors
• Heated front seats
• Leather/Grand Luxe synthetic suede upholstery
• Power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment
• 7-speaker Bose sound system

The Akari adds:

• Single-pane sunroof
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Leather upholstery
• 360-degree camera

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Mazda CX-3 safe?

The Mazda CX-3 is currently unrated by ANCAP, as its five-star rating from 2015 has now expired.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

• Pedestrian, cyclist detection

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention alert
• Lane departure warning
• Front, front-side and curtain airbags
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors

The 2025 Pure and Evolve trims are leveling up! Previously reserved for higher-end models, advanced emergency braking and adaptive cruise control now come standard, adding a touch of luxury and a whole lot of peace of mind to your everyday drive.

Evolve variants and above gain front parking sensors, while the GT SP and up receive traffic sign recognition.

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Mazda CX-3 cost to run?

The Mazda CX-3 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

| Servicing and Warranty | Mazda CX-3 | | — | — | | Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres | | Roadside assistance | Up to 5 years | | Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km | | Average annual service cost (5 years) | $449.40 | | Total capped-price service cost (5 years) | $2247 |

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Let us help you find your new car

Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.

"Travis and his crew delivered outstanding service once again! This is the second time I’ve entrusted them with my business, and I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else. For reliable, top-notch work, look no further."

Craig C.

Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

childcareman.xyz helped Craig save $7,224 on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.

Get your BEST price

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to recommend the CX-3 given the competition it now faces.

Forget pricey badges. The Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS are shaking up the market, delivering practicality and features without emptying your wallet. Long-standing contenders like the Kia Stonic and Skoda Kamiq are also in the mix, proving that value and quality can go hand-in-hand.

The CX-3 hangs its hat on thrilling driving – a valiant effort, but perhaps asking too much in a segment where practicality trumps performance for most shoppers.

Until Mazda injects some much-needed excitement – be it through irresistible deals, a shot of adrenaline via upgraded features, or the unveiling of a truly groundbreaking model – our search continues elsewhere.

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new Mazda CX-3. Clickhereto get a great deal

Click the images for the full gallery

Explore the Mazda CX-3 showroom

Thanks for reading 2026 Mazda CX-3 review