Flash Drive

2019 MAZDA CX-3

October 9, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
By

Model Tested: 2019 Mazda CX-3 GRAND TOURING AWD

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 is handsomely styled like its siblings the CX-5 and CX-9. Changes from 2018 are minimal.

Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 148-horsepower, 146 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatictransmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined

Base Price: $27,145

As Tested: $29,625

Performance:

Peppy acceleration

Sport mode

Paddle shifters

Above average fuel economy

Most CX-3 owners stick to paved roads, but snow and dirt roads are easily conquered in the CX-3,

Excellent size for city driving/parking

Nimble and competent off-road or in snow

Head up display

Blind spot monitoring

Lane departure warning

Traction control

Hill launch assist

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver/front passenger

Front row space and comfort are excellent, but back seat accommodations are snug.

legroom

Driver power lumbar support

Three temperatures heated front seats

Heated, medium thick leather steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls

Large range adjustments for tilt/telescopic column

Soft headrests

OK quality interior materials

Very tight back seat even with fronts moved forward

The split folding rear seats and an upward slope.

Considerable floor hump

Nice Bose sound system

Good headroom

Utility:

Short cargo area due to vehicle size and design

Flat cargo deck

Removable cargo floor for additional capacity

Ample opening height for rear hatch

Minimal lift-over

Small moonroof

Small console bin with good drink holders

The head up display is very basic, but still greatly appreciated.

Large glovebox, but no lock

Medium size front door bins with bottle notches

No real rear door bins, just bottle notches

One seatback pouch

Split folding seats have noticeable slope

Rain sensing wipers

WOW Factors:

Nice luxury content in Grand Touring Premium iteration

Handsome Mazda family styling

Controls are simple, intuitive, and well-positioned for easy use.

Great Solar Red paint (worth the extra $595)

Good infotainment control via central knob

Impressive standard safety features

Head up display

Whines:

Penalty box back seat

Limited cargo space behind seats

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 is one of the best sub-compact SUVs on the market. It’s handsomely styled, competitively priced, drives well, and has

The rear 3/4 view shows the short overhang and slanted rear hatch, both of which impact cargo space.

ample room and comfort for front row occupants. Its compact size is the biggest drawback for rear seat passengers and cargo capacity. If you don’t carry a lot or large rear seat passengers the CX-3 is a very attractive sub-compact SUV.