Mazda
CX-3
Mazda
CX-30
Mazda CX-3 vs Mazda CX-30: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Mazda CX-3 offers fuel economy, while the Mazda CX-30 excels at power instead. Choose the Mazda CX-3 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mazda CX-30 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
CX-3
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation model (2016-2021) is associated with recurrent and costly mechanical and electrical failures, including transmission behavior complaints, infotainment unit failures, and fuel system issues, leading to significant owner frustration and repair expenses. In contrast, discussions of the current-generation model (2022-2026) are sparse, with only isolated mentions.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year within the current generation is recommended or criticized based on the provided data.
Known issues
- ⚠• First-Generation (2016-2021) Issues:* Costly and recurrent mechanical failures: including timing belt replacement, complete air conditioning system repair/replacement (evaporator, compressor), front shock and mount replacement, and beari…
- ⚠Infotainment (CMU) failure: complete black screen and non-operation, with one specific case involving a DTC U3000:42 (Control Module General Memory Failure) following a battery replacement, suggesting potential vulnerability to voltage spi…
- ⚠Intermittent stalling and no-start condition: engine starts but loses power and cuts out when pulling away after a short stop, accompanied by a strong fuel smell and a sporadic low fuel pressure code; unresolved despite replacing high-pres…
CX-30
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with driving dynamics, interior quality, and overall reliability. The vehicle is consistently praised for its responsive and fun-to-drive nature, with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines receiving commendation for good acceleration and power. The interior is frequently described as feeling premium and luxurious for its price point, with high-quality materials and a functional, button-centric layout.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single consensus "best" trim. Feedback indicates high satisfaction across trims, from base models to top-tier Turbo versions.
Known issues
- ⚠Limited rear passenger and cargo space: very frequent mention of cramped rear seats, especially with child car seats, and limited trunk space.
The verdict
The Mazda CX-30 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Mazda CX-3, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mazda CX-30 are a dealbreaker, the Mazda CX-3 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mazda CX-3 or the Mazda CX-30?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mazda CX-30 than the Mazda CX-3. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Mazda CX-3 or the Mazda CX-30?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mazda CX-3 or the Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-3 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 6.7 L/100km combined versus 9.4 L/100km for the Mazda CX-30, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mazda CX-3 or the Mazda CX-30?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mazda CX-3 than the Mazda CX-30. See the known issues comparison above.