2026 Mazda CX-3 review

Australia loves the Mazda CX-3.

The Japanese automaker’s entry-level SUV was a hit when it arrived way back in 2015, and it remains the most popular light SUV in the country to this day.

However, the future of this popular model is under a growing cloud. The Mazda 2 and CX-3 will reportedly exit the Japanese market by the end of this year, but Mazda says the pair will continue to be sold in Australia beyond then.

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?

CX-3 prices have gradually risen over the course of the past decade, and the range now opens at $30,370 before on-road costs for the G20 Pure. On test here is the G20 Evolve.

Fun fact: you could pick up a brand-new manual CX-3 for $19,990 before on-road costs back in 2015 when the model first launched Down Under.

Focusing back on the here and now, the CX-3 Evolve is priced to compete against other light and small SUVs such as the Chery Tiggo 4,MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion, Kia Stonic, Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Juke, and Skoda Kamiq.

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

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

While the exterior design of the CX-3 still stacks up against modern rivals, the interior hasn’t held up quite as well.

The small, fuzzy infotainment screen looks almost prehistoric compared to the touchscreens you’ll find in alternatives like the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4, Skoda Kamiq, and even the Toyota Yaris Cross, while the instrument cluster in the CX-3 is similarly old-fashioned.

Functionality is sorely lacking across both pieces of tech. For example, the infotainment system only operates as a touchscreen when you’re stationary or travelling at low speeds, and native navigation may be included but it didn’t work at all throughout our test.

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

We also struggled to maintain a wireless smartphone connection, although CarPlay is the best way to experience the screen in the Mazda CX-3.

Given our connection issues, we often resorted to plugging in via the USB-A outlets located under the centre stack. Make sure to bring the correct cable, as there are no USB-C outlets.

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

The cluster features a central tachometer, digital speed readout and a pair of digital displays that lack anything in the way of configurability. On a positive note, the layout will be familiar to owners of older vehicles, and the data is clearly presented.

Above you’ll find a rudimentary HUD that projects speed and cruise information onto the windscreen. The Mazda CX-3 feels very yesterday in many regards, but features like this keep it relevant in 2025.

There’s no doubt that the simplicity of the CX-3 also enhances its appeal for certain groups of buyers. Changing the temperature or fan speed is a straightforward task, as is switching between audio outputs.

There’s nothing to be confused about, and that’s surely worth something. With that said, it’s not enough to excuse the downfalls of the CX-3.

Materials don’t age quite as quickly as technology does, so the interior trims in the CX-3 remain competitive today. As is standard for the segment, there’s lots of hard scratchy plastic, but this Evolve gains black leatherette upholstery.

In addition to the seats, the door cards, centre console and dash all feature soft-touch finishes, and the Evolve feels more upmarket because of it. I just wish Mazda kept the ‘White Maztex/Tan Grand Luxe Synthetic Suede’ upholstery option, as the cabin could do with an injection of colour.

Nevertheless, while the CX-3 doesn’t have the showroom appeal of something like a Tiggo 4, it makes up for it with quality materials in high traffic areas.

The ergonomics of the fake leather seats are excellent. There’s plenty of manual adjustment in the front seats and steering wheel, and both pews offer decent lateral support and cushioning.

Cabin storage is another strong suit of the CX-3. The glovebox is deeper than you’d expect for a car of this size, and there are dedicated cubbies throughout the front row for sunglasses, smartphones, and drink bottles. 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.

The tight and claustrophobic space is best suited to young children, because I was forced to perform all kinds of unflattering contortions to squeeze behind my driving position. And that’s before considering the lack of headroom, which limits rear passenger height to around five-ten.

Amenities are also sorely lacking. That means no phone charging and no air conditioning. You do, however, get a centre armrest with cupholders and bottle holders in the doors.

You’d be silly to purchase any light SUV as a family car, but it’s still reasonable to ask for a second row that’s somewhat usable. The Tiggo 4 is superior on this front, as is the Mahindra XUV 3XO.

The CX-3 also trails its competitors on boot space, offering just a measly 264 litres. That’s 100L less than the Mahindra, and a whopping 158L less than what you get from a Nissan Juke.

Extra space can be accessed by folding the rear seats, which creates a larger flat load area. Otherwise, there’s a hidden storage compartment under the boot floor.

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

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

What’s under the bonnet?

The entire CX-3 range is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which is good for 110kW of power and 195Nm of torque.

Fuel economy is not outstanding for the segment. We saw roughly 9L/100km over a week of urban driving, and that’s something a turbocharger or hybrid assistance could remedy.

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

How does the Mazda CX-3 drive?

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

Turbochargers and hybrid systems are all the rage in modern motoring, and for the most part both have brought about powertrains that are more powerful and efficient than ever before.

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

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder found under the bonnet of this little Mazda is small yet mighty, with enough low-end torque and top-end power to make the lightweight CX-3 feel suitably peppy in most driving situations.

And, like the world’s top athletes, the CX-3 delivers performance in a smooth, controlled manner. With that said, the absence of forced induction or electric assistance means that you have to rev it out to make decent progress, which produces quite a lot of noise.

While a manual transmission was once offered, the CX-3 is now only sold with a six-speed automatic transmission that’s buttery smooth in stop/start traffic, although paddle shifters would make for a nice upgrade.

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

The pedals are well-weighted, and the steering wheel actually feels connected to the front wheels. You can throw the CX-3 into corners with confidence, as it demonstrates sporty handling and can turn on a dime.

Better yet, while the CX-3 is on the firmer side for an SUV, the ride is never harsh or crashy. There’s a real sense of composure with this little runaround, especially in the city where common obstacles like road joins and small potholes are dealt with easily.

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

That’s not to say there’s nothing for rural and regional buyers to get excited about, but the CX-3 is definitely less happy on the highway.

A distinct lack of insulation leads to pronounced road and tyre noise at high speeds, especially on coarse surfaces. Indeed, the little CX-3 just doesn’t feel quite as substantial on the road as other light and small SUVs.

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

As of this year, all variants are equipped with adaptive cruise control as standard – a huge win for those who commute long distances regularly. But be prepared to keep your hands firmly on the wheel, as there’s no form of active lane centring.

One benefit of the CX-3’s age is that it’s bereft of annoying safety nannies that suck the joy out of driving. The forward collision warning system went off once during our test, but distracting chimes were few and far between.

To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison 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 our comparison 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

For 2025, the Pure and Evolve now get the more sophisticated AEB system and adaptive cruise control previously limited to up-spec models.

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 our comparison tool

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

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

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

CarExpert’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.

Newcomers including the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS are more practical and better equipped for less money, and the same can be said of familiar nameplates like the Kia Stonic and Skoda Kamiq.

That leaves the superior driving dynamics of the CX-3 to do a lot of heavy lifting, probably too much considering what buyers prioritise when shopping for a little SUV.

As such, we’d be looking elsewhere until Mazda decides to shake things up, whether that’s through discounts, equipment upgrades, or the launch of an all-new model.

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