Mazda CX-3 2016

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is stylish, well-equipped, and one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles in its segment

U.S. car buyers have never before bought as many SUVs and crossover utility vehicles as they're taking home today. Now a growing segment of even smaller entries is offering new options, including the Mazda CX-3. It's the smallest crossover sold by the sporty Japanese brand, slotting neatly below the CX-5 compact SUV.

Through an alternate lens, you can view the new CX-3 as the capacious hatchback that the Mazda 3 doesn't offer. While we love Mazda's compact cars, they're hardly capable of holding four adults. The CX-3 remedies that problem, and adds optional all-wheel drive to boot. Given continuing cheap gas prices and the rising fuel efficiency of SUVs of all sizes, we suspect the CX-3 will do very well. Its sales may be closer to those of the Fiat 500X or the Mini Countryman than Honda's high-volume HR-V, but it's reasonably priced and much more capable for the usual tasks of hauling people and a whole lot of stuff. And it's fun to drive—which can't be said of the Honda or the Chevy.

Pros
Elegant, stylish exterior
Modern, attractive interior
Ample features, great optional extras
Predictive all-wheel drive system
Impressive performance and handling for the segment

Cons
No manual transmission option
Rear seat is very compact
Styling may not age well
Monochrome gauges look cheap

In our ranking of subcompact SUVs, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is one of the top-rated models. Its handling is more athletic than most, and the CX-3's fuel-economy is at the top of the class. Its cabin is replete with quality materials, and there are lots of standard features. However, the rear seats are a bit cramped, and the CX-3's cargo hold is one of the smallest in the class.

However, a fully loaded CX-3 is still competitively priced in the class, and it's less expensive than several rivals. When you factor in the CX-3's long features list and quality cabin, it's one of the best values among subcompact SUVs.

"An all-new model in the subcompact crossover segment, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 combines a well-built interior, class-best driving dynamics and a small footprint into a curvy body. Excellent fuel mileage, available all-wheel drive and numerous standard and optional features make it one of the top picks in this expanding category." -- Edmunds

"The subcompact-crossover segment is erupting like an overdue volcano-witness the new Chevy Trax, Fiat 500X, and Honda HR-V joining other wee hatchbacks on stilts, such as the Buick Encore, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, Mini Countryman, and Nissan Juke. Now, having spent several hours behind the wheel of Mazda's new CX-3, we think it just may be the most compelling of the bunch." -- Car and Driver

"After a few hours behind the wheel, we were quite impressed with the 2016 Mazda CX-3. It's yet another attractive, fun-to-drive, sophisticated car from Mazda. But then we realized something: Mazda already sells a great small hatchback. It's called the Mazda3. As we thought more about the new CX-3, we struggled to see any tangible benefits of stepping up to this crossover, other than the availability of all-wheel drive." -- Automobile Magazine

Pros
Exciting driving dynamics
Outstanding fuel economy
Lots of standard features

Cons
Small cargo capacity
Cramped back seats