CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 200
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 cabin. Available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, it delivers reasonable performance and frugal fuel consumption. The entry-level SE trim includes cruise control, air-conditioning, DAB radio, and Bluetooth, whilst higher trims add satnav, climate control, autonomous emergency braking, and premium features like 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 practicality compared to some rivals, with limited rear headroom and a modest 350-litre boot. The driving experience, whilst competent, lacks the engaging character expected from Mazda, with less feedback through the steering and a ride that can feel unsettled over bumps. The 1.8-litre diesel achieves around 55mpg in real-world driving, whilst the 2.0-litre petrol engines return approximately 40-46mpg. Insurance premiums are affordable, and servicing costs are reasonable with fixed-price plans available.

Best for: Buyers seeking an attractively styled compact SUV with good standard equipment and reasonable running costs, particularly those prioritising exterior appeal and engine choice.

Not ideal for: Those needing maximum rear passenger space or boot capacity, drivers expecting engaging handling characteristics, or buyers wanting the most comfortable ride in the compact SUV segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CX-3 if: You prioritise attractive styling and good standard equipment, seek reasonable running costs, or want a choice of petrol and diesel engines in a compact SUV.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear passenger space or boot capacity, desire engaging handling characteristics, or require the most comfortable ride quality in the segment.

Competitive Position: The Mazda CX-3 (2015-2021) is a stylish contender in the compact SUV market, offering attractive design and good standard specification. However, it faces stiff competition from the Seat Arona and Renault Captur, which both score higher on expert ratings and offer better practicality and ride comfort. The CX-3's main strengths lie in its visual appeal and engine options, but its limitations in rear space and driving dynamics mean it may not suit all buyers. For those prioritising style and equipment over maximum practicality, it remains a solid choice with competitive running costs. Read our full Mazda CX-3 Review

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