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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2020 Mazda CX-3: A Commuter’s Best Friend
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient ride that handles well and offers an impressive lineup of standard driver-assist features.
What’s New for the 2020 Mazda CX-3?
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 sees several changes including the discontinuation of its Touring and Grand Touring Trims. Only one trim remains – the Sport. Many more standard safety features have also been added including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, high-beam control, and lane departure warning. Some new standard convenience features have also been added including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic air conditioning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a head-up display. LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights are also standard.
2020 Mazda CX-3 – netcarshow.com | Shop 2020 Mazda CX-3 on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Standard safety features
Excellent fuel economy
Impressive handling
Cramped backseat
Small cargo area
Noisy engine
More engine options and convenience features, please
2020 Mazda Specs
- 148 horsepower from base engine
- 146 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 1 available trim
- 17.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 42.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Back-up camera
- Push-button start
- Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
- 3 year/36,000 mile warranty
2020 Mazda CX-3 Powertrain
Under the hood of this subcompact crossover, you’ll find a 148 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It comes with standard front-wheel drive, but for around $1,400 more you can opt for all-wheel drive. While it isn’t the most powerful engine in its class, it is suitable for most driving situations. It accelerates quickly, but the engine can get noisy when it’s at full throttle.
Despite its lack of power, the CX-3 handles better than most in its class. Its brakes are strong, it handles turns well and the steering is responsive. The suspension system keeps the ride smooth for the most part, but you will be feeling those larger bumps.
For an engine with a little more umph, Mazda’s newest compact crossover, the CX-30 might be worth checking out.
2020 Mazda CX-3 Fuel Economy & MPG
If you’re looking to save at the pump, then the CX-3 is your ticket. It ranks near the top of the subcompact SUV class getting an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models are slightly less efficient getting an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The CX-3 is a budget-friendly ride, but the interior does not disappoint with its simple design and high-quality materials. Controls are kept at a minimum and are situated within the driver’s reach. You’ll find soft leather, textured plastics, and bright chrome detailing throughout the cabin. Cloth upholstery comes standard on the sole Sport trim with no options to upgrade to synthetic or real leather which is a little disappointing. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive and provide plenty of leg and shoulder room, but adults will find the rear seats to be cramped, especially if tall adults are occupying the front seats.
Cargo room is also limited in the CX-3, falling near the bottom of its class for storage capacity. Behind the second row there is a meager 17.8 cubic feet of storage space—that’s about enough room for three carry-on suitcases. With the second row folded down you’ll get 42.7 cubic feet of storage, which is enough for 12 carry-on suitcases.
Entertainment & Technology
The CX-3 comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system which can be controlled using a rotary knob on the center console or on the touch screen itself. There are physical knobs for climate and audio on the control panel as well as buttons mounted on the steering wheel. The system is easy to use but some functions can be hard to find as you must go through several menus. Other standard features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, a USB port, voice recognition, a six-speaker stereo, and a head-up display.
Safety Features
The 2020 CX-3 received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the CX-3 the highest rating of “Good” in all six crash tests as well as a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
The CX-3 comes with an impressive suite of standard driver assist features including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a head-up display.
It can be hard to keep up with all of the available tech and safety features. We unpack it all for you in our New Safety Tech Explained and Latest and Greatest in New Car Tech articles.
2020 Mazda CX-3 Trims & Pricing
Sport – $20,640
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 comes in one Sport trim that includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo, a USB port, and voice recognition. Additional standard features include automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and standard safety features including a rearview camera, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
In the market for a used crossover? See our budget buy comparison of the Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3.
Warranties
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 has a limited warranty that covers 3 years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty that covers 5 years or 60,000 miles. There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance. This is comparable to others in its class, save the Kia Soul which provides longer limited and powertrain warranties than any other subcompact crossover.
What we think
2020 Mazda CX-3 – netcarshow.com | Shop 2020 Mazda CX-3 on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is a fun ride that gets great fuel economy for a crossover SUV. We’re impressed with the lineup of standard safety features but wish there were some options to upgrade its comfort and convenience features. Don’t expect to max out on passengers and cargo, but the CX-3 could be the ticket for your daily commute.
