10 Mazda CX-3 Competitors to Consider

2019 Mazda CX 3 Red Parked Front Quarter ・ Photo by Mazda

Subcompact SUVs are among the hottest sellers on the market this year, and one of our favorites is the 2019 Mazda CX-3. This little crossover brings together Mazda’s commitment to a sports-car driving experience with all-wheel drive capability and roomy cargo space, all in a compact urban-friendly package.

The 2019 CX-3 starts at $24,065. That price includes a 2.0-liter engine good for 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The CX-3 gets up to 29 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. Its interior is among the best in its segment. Mazda Connect smartphone integration is included in all trim levels, controlled through a 7-inch touchscreen. That screen also incorporates a standard backup camera. If you’re considering the CX-3, here are 10 options to cross-shop that are roughly in the same price range with comparable features and performance.

2019 Buick Encore

The 2019 Buick Encore allows you to choose from four front-wheel drive trim levels and three all-wheel drive trims, ranging from the basic Encore to the luxury-equipped Essence. All Encore models come with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The standard engine is rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, and there’s a direct-injected version at 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Every Encore comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Basic trims are front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive costs $1,500 more.

The Encore's seats are firm and comfortable, with good lower back support. All trims include satellite radio and Buick’s IntelliLink smartphone integration system, controlled with a 7-inch touchscreen display with a rearview monitor.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Honda HR-V

The 2019 Honda HR-V starts at $21,515. This crossover seats five and features a unique second-row "Magic Seat" that folds down flat to maximize cargo space or flips upward to fit tall items. It comes with Honda’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard, while Honda’s Real Time AWD system is optional.

Three different audio systems are available, including one with 180-watts and a 7-inch electrostatic touchscreen. All trims feature Bluetooth hands-free phone support. For enhanced safety, Honda offers LaneWatch, which uses a camera to capture a wide-angle view of the passenger-side roadway when the right turn signal is activated.

Photo by Honda

2019 Toyota C-HR

The 2019 Toyota C-HR has a rakish look that will compete with the CX-3 for standout individuality. Starting at $21,990, the C-HR is available in three trim levels, all featuring a peppy 2.0-liter engine rated at 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes mated to a continuously variable transmission, and the C-HR makes good use of the available power. However, the C-HR is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle.

The C-HR Limited trim includes heated leather front seats, along with a 7-inch touchscreen audio system that supports limited smartphone integration and voice recognition. The backup camera display is integrated with the rearview mirror.

Photo by Toyota

2018 Nissan Kicks

Nissan has recently released the all-new 2018 Kicks crossover with a base price of $17,990. The Kicks is powered by an economical 1.6-liter engine rated at 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque, mated to a well-made continuously variable transmission. All Kicks models are front-wheel drive.

The top of the Kicks trim lineup costs only $20,290, so you can get the high-end features for about the starting price of other small crossovers. You’ll get a 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with a CD player, AM/FM/Satellite radio, USB input, and Bluetooth. The SV and SR trim levels add support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Photo by Nissan

2019 Chevrolet Trax

The 2019 Chevrolet Trax is available at a starting price of $20,795. It comes with a choice of front-wheel drive in the basic LS trim or AWD in the higher trim levels. The Trax is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Trax offers up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and a 7-inch Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. It also provides support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a native 4G/LTE data connection and the ability to create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the vehicle.

Photo by Chevrolet

2018 Jeep Renegade

The 2018 Jeep Renegade is a great way to get some of the famous Jeep magic in an affordable crossover format. The front-wheel drive Renegade starts at $19,440 with a 1.4-liter engine rated at 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Or you can step up to Jeep’s capable 4X4 system for $21,595. Also available is a 2.4-liter engine rated at 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 2018 Renegade comes with a UConnect infotainment system, optional removable roof panels, and the great rugged looks of a Jeep. An upgraded 8.4-inch UConnect system with navigation is also available. In all, there are six Renegade trim levels to choose from, including the sturdy off-road Trailhawk edition and the luxurious Limited trim.

Photo by Jeep

2018 Kia Niro

The 2018 Kia Niro compact SUV is offered as a front-wheel drive hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. The hybrid is priced from $24,280, while the PHEV starts at $32,440 before federal and state tax credits. The hybrid drivetrain includes a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor combination that offers a combined 139 system horsepower. Power is passed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid returns up to 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the Niro PHEV can cover up to 26 miles on electric power before engaging its gas engine. 

The Niro offers up to 54.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the front seats, or 19.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Kia has loaded the Niro up with high-tech safety features as well, such as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-change assistance.

Photo by Kia

2018 Hyundai Kona

The 2018 Hyundai Kona is one of the newest subcompact SUVs on the market. Hyundai’s smallest crossover offers a 2.0-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, or a 1.6-liter turbo engine with a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission. The turbo engine delivers 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims.

The Kona features bold styling and a lot of tech with options like a head-up display, wireless device charging, and a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Leather upholstery and heated seats are available on the top Limited and Ultimate trim levels. The 2018 Kona starts at $20,480, or $21,780 with AWD.

Photo by Hyundai

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is the second year for a new design built on the Subaru Global Platform. The new chassis improves stability and rigidity over all types of terrain. The redesign also brought a smoother ride, with added insulation and noise-reducing glass to make the new car quiet inside.

The Crosstrek includes support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru’s innovative EyeSight system provides adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and a lane-departure warning. A 2.0-liter engine rated at 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque is standard. You can choose between a continuously variable transmission with any trim or a six-speed manual in the base or Premium models. The 2019 Crosstrek 2.0i starts at $22,870.

Photo by Subaru

2018 Fiat 500X

If you want a little European flair, the 2018 Fiat 500X has it. The exterior combines traditional Italian styling with a bold SUV stance. Urban buyers can choose the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine rated at 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. Or choose the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine at 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive.

The Fiat 500X features the 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen UConnect smartphone integration system. The Uconnect system includes apps, optional GPS navigation, basic audio, and Bluetooth. The 2018 500X starts at $18,290. 

Photo by FIAT