Mazda CX-3 vs the field
Every head-to-head WhichTrim has scored for the CX-3: 6 comparisons against 3 rivals across the 2020–2021 model years, each on price, fuel, safety, space, performance, tech and warranty from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data — the weights yours to change on any of them.
By rival
3 rivals · verdicts at default weightsHyundai VenueCX-3 leads 2–0
Clear win 6+ points · Edge 2–6 · Toss-up under 2. Open any pair for the scorecard, the biggest gaps in words and the sliders.
Where the CX-3 wins and loses
6 scored head-to-headsThe CX-3 leads on safety in 6 of 6. Category scores are 0–100 from the data on each pair page; a lead here means the CX-3 scored higher in that category, whatever the weights.
| Category | CX-3 leads | Trails | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel & range | 2 of 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Safety | 6 of 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Space & cargo | 0 of 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Performance | 2 of 4 | 2 | 0 |
Common questions about the Mazda CX-3 head-to-heads
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the Mazda CX-3 or the Hyundai Venue?
The Mazda CX-3 wins clearly, 98.7 to 88.7, on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2021 Mazda CX-3 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2021 Mazda CX-3 vs 2021 Hyundai Venue). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Mazda CX-3 or the Lexus UX?
The Lexus UX edges it, 97.1 to 91.6, on fuel & range. The Mazda CX-3 is ahead on safety and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2021 Lexus UX comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2021 Mazda CX-3 vs 2021 Lexus UX). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Which is better, the Mazda CX-3 or the Volvo V60?
The Volvo V60 edges it, 90.2 to 87.8, on performance. The Mazda CX-3 is ahead on fuel & range and safety. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.6 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2021 Volvo V60 comes out ahead in the newest scored pairing (2021 Mazda CX-3 vs 2021 Volvo V60). Open the full comparison to change the weights.
Where does the Mazda CX-3 win and lose against its rivals?
The CX-3 leads on safety in 6 of 6. Every count comes from the category scores on the pair pages linked above, which use EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press-kit data.
How does WhichTrim decide which vehicle wins?
Each of seven categories — price, fuel and range, safety, space and cargo, performance, tech and comfort, warranty — is scored 0–100 from the data on the page. Relative measures give 100 to the better vehicle and a proportional share to the other; NHTSA stars and the Safety Signal use their own scales. The overall score is the weighted mean at the default weights (price 4, safety 4, fuel 3, tech 3, space 2, performance 2, warranty 2). A margin of 6 points or more is a clear win, 2 to 6 an edge, under 2 a toss-up. Every pair page has sliders to set your own weights.