2020 Mazda CX-3 vs. Its Competition

2020 Mazda CX-3
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

Pint-size crossover SUVs tend not to be particularly practical, but the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek are definite outliers.

The HR-V’s flexible interior makes it a great choice, while the Crosstrek is unusually spacious and off-roadable.

The Hyundai Kona is a good choice for its bold looks and premium interior.

Don’t omit the soft-riding Toyota C-HR, even though it doesn’t come with all-wheel drive.

We’re not as sold on the Ford EcoSport, which feels dated and lacks active safety features.

2020 Mazda CX-32020 Mazda CX-3
2020 Ford Ecosport2020 Ford Ecosport
2020 Honda HR-V2020 Honda HR-V
2020 Hyundai Kona2020 Hyundai Kona
2020 Subaru Crosstrek2020 Subaru Crosstrek
2020 Toyota C-HR2020 Toyota C-HR
Quick Specs
5.7
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is stylish but impractical for a crossover SUV.
4.0
The 2020 Ford Ecosport is not particularly good value, not particularly efficient, and not particularly good.
5.2
The 2020 Honda HR-V oozes with practicality, though gas mileage and safety equipment have room to improve.
6.0
The 2020 Hyundai Kona is an eyeful, but has nearly everything crossover buyers want in a city-friendly package.
5.8
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek puts safety first, with capability a close second.
5.5
The 2020 Toyota C-HR’s updated styling is less polarizing, and it now includes both Apple and Android smartphone support.
MSRP From     
$20,640$19,995$20,920$20,300$22,145$21,295
Gas Mileage     
27 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy26 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy27 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-3Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Compact CarsSmall SUV 2WDSmall Station WagonsSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 4WDCompact Cars
Style Name     
Sport FWDS FWDLX 2WD CVTSE Automatic FWDManualLE FWD (GS)
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODManual w/ODCVT w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2020 Mazda CX-3 vs. 2020 Ford Ecosport2020 Mazda CX-3 vs. 2020 Honda HR-V2020 Mazda CX-3 vs. 2020 Hyundai Kona2020 Mazda CX-3 vs. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek2020 Mazda CX-3 vs. 2020 Toyota C-HR