Mazda CX-3 used buyer's guide: years, engine, AWD and mpg

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover sold in the U.S. for the 2016 through 2021 model years; Mazda dropped it for 2022. Every CX-3 uses a Skyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, rated 146 hp at launch and 148 hp from 2019, with FWD or i-Activ AWD. The 2021 FWD model is EPA-rated 31 mpg combined.

Type: Five-seat subcompact crossover
Powertrains: CX-3 FWD (2021), CX-3 AWD (2021) · 148 hp
Current generation: First generation, 2016–2021

Mazda CX-3 engines, horsepower and mpg

The 2016–2018 CX-3 was rated 146 hp; Mazda retuned the engine to 148 hp for 2019. For 2021 the CX-3 was offered only as the Sport.

Mazda CX-3 powertrains with Mazda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
Version	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Drive	EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
CX-3 FWD (2021)Sport	Skyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder[1][2]	148	146	6-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	29/34/312021 MY[2]
CX-3 AWD (2021)	Skyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder[3][2]	148	146	6-speed automatic	i-Activ AWD	27/32/292021 MY[2]

Output is as rated by Mazda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

What replaced the CX-3?

Mazda did not name a direct replacement when it dropped the CX-3 and Mazda6 for 2022. The CX-30, sold since the 2020 model year, is the subcompact Mazda SUV that remained, with a larger 2.5L engine and, for 2026, standard AWD.[6][8][9]

Which CX-3 years to shop

The 2019–2021 cars have the retuned 148-hp engine. Earlier models came in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims with optional AWD, while the 2021 CX-3 was a single Sport trim with front-wheel drive standard.[3][5][1]

Mazda CX-3 generations by year

Every US Mazda CX-3 generation with model years and engines, newest first
Generation	US model years	Engines	Notes
First generation	2016–2021	Skyactiv-G 2.0L (146 hp, 146 lb-ft; 148 hp from 2019), 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD	The CX-3 went on sale in summer 2015 as a 2016 model from $19,960 in Sport FWD form, with AWD a $1,250 option on every trim (Sport, Touring, Grand Touring). The 2019 update retuned the engine. Mazda announced in May 2021 that it would discontinue the CX-3 for 2022.[4][5][3][6][7]

What CX-3 buyers actually paid

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Mazda CX-3.

More CX-3 research

See how a CX-3 was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Mazda CX-3 sold?

The 2016 through 2021 model years in the U.S.

Why did Mazda discontinue the CX-3?

Mazda said consumer interests had evolved and dropped the CX-3 and Mazda6 for the 2022 model year.

Does the CX-3 have AWD?

Yes, i-Activ AWD was available. At launch it was a $1,250 option on every trim.

How much horsepower does the CX-3 have?

146 hp for 2016–2018 and 148 hp from 2019, both with 146 lb-ft of torque.

What mpg does a Mazda CX-3 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 CX-3 at 29/34/31 mpg with FWD and 27/32/29 with AWD.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Mazda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

2021 Mazda CX-3: Dynamic Driving In A Subcompact Package (Aug 11, 2020) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
2021 Mazda CX-3 fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
2019 Mazda CX-3: Compact Dimensions, Big Ambitions (May 2, 2018) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
Mazda US History timeline — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
All-New 2016 Mazda CX-3 MSRP to Start From $19,960 (Jul 16, 2015) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
Statement on Mazda6 and CX-3 (May 21, 2021) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
Mazda CX-3 fuel economy, 2016–2021 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
2020 Mazda CX-30: Inspiring The Road Ahead (Nov 20, 2019) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)
2026 Mazda CX-30: Pricing and Packaging (Sep 18, 2025) — Mazda USA Newsroom (news.mazdausa.com)

More Mazda tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.