Used Mazda CX-3 for sale near Sunderland

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 220
Average Price: Around £10,000

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2021) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Attractive looks	Not as roomy in the back or boot as some rivals
Reasonably strong engines	Doesn't drive with the verve you'd expect of a Mazda
Well equipped as standard	A Skoda Kamiq has a more comfortable ride

Quick Summary

The Mazda CX-3 (2015-2021) is a stylish compact SUV that combines attractive exterior design with a well-equipped interior. Available with a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines, it delivers reasonable performance and practicality for its class. The entry-level SE trim comes with cruise control, air-conditioning, DAB radio, and Bluetooth, whilst higher trims add satnav, climate control, autonomous emergency braking, and premium features such as adaptive LED headlights and a Bose sound system. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.

However, the CX-3 falls short in some key areas. The rear cabin is cramped with limited headroom, and the 350-litre boot is smaller than some competitors. The ride quality is disappointing, with noticeable body roll and wheel thump over bumps, whilst refinement suffers from wind, road, and engine noise at motorway speeds. Despite Mazda's reputation for engaging driving dynamics, the CX-3 lacks the verve expected from the brand. Running costs are competitive, with the 1.8-litre diesel achieving around 55mpg in real-world driving and petrol engines returning 40-46mpg. Insurance premiums are affordable, and fixed-price service plans are available.

Best for: Buyers seeking an attractively styled compact SUV with strong engines and good standard equipment, and those prioritising fuel efficiency and affordable running costs.

Not ideal for: Those needing spacious rear seating or a large boot, drivers expecting engaging handling typical of Mazda, or buyers wanting a more comfortable ride quality than rivals like the Skoda Kamiq.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CX-3 if: You want an attractively styled compact SUV with strong engines and good standard equipment, and you prioritise fuel efficiency and affordable running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You need spacious rear seating or a large boot, expect engaging handling typical of Mazda, or require a more comfortable ride quality than rivals like the Skoda Kamiq.

Competitive Position: The Mazda CX-3 (2015-2021) is a competitive compact SUV with distinctive styling and well-equipped trim levels. However, it faces stiff competition from rivals such as the Seat Arona and Renault Captur, which offer superior practicality, ride comfort, and overall refinement. Whilst the CX-3 delivers reasonable performance and efficiency, its cramped rear cabin and disappointing handling dynamics make it less appealing than some alternatives in this crowded segment. It remains a solid choice for style-conscious buyers seeking an affordable, well-equipped compact SUV.

Read our full Mazda CX-3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.