“Make certain the back seat room is adequate. Seriously consider the Grand Touring edition and enjoy the great ride.”
2018 Mazda CX-3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The most important change for 2018 is that low-speed automatic braking became standard on every CX-3. This is a meaningful update rather than a redesign, with a smoother, quieter drive and added Touring equipment.
About the 2018 Mazda CX-3
1st generation (2016-2021), third model year; updated before the larger 2019 styling and interior refresh.
Mazda sells the CX-3 as a small crossover for city-friendly driving without giving up style or a fun, car-like feel. The core appeal is its compact footprint, sharp handling, available AWD for bad weather, and a cabin that feels nicer than many subcompact rivals. Mazda's own messaging leans on active lifestyles, bold design, and a driver-focused layout more than maximum cargo space, which helps explain why shoppers choose it over roomier but less engaging competitors.
The base CX-3 has a 2.0-liter engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and push-button start. Touring is the everyday-upgrade trim, with heated front seats, automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitoring. Grand Touring is the premium version, adding a moonroof, leather-and-suede seating, Bose audio, navigation, and a head-up display.
What changed, by category
Safety
Low-speed automatic braking became standard on every trim.
Powertrain
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic carried over, but Mazda retuned throttle and transmission response. A new system that subtly adjusts engine torque while steering was added across the lineup to help the CX-3 feel smoother and more settled.
Structural
Mazda revised suspension and engine-mounting parts for a smoother ride. Better door seals, thicker rear glass, and added sound-deadening material made the cabin quieter.
Styling
A new steering wheel design and new paint colors joined the range, but the exterior was not redesigned.
Tech
Touring gained automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment.
Trim lineup
Base was added to the trim list, while Sport was dropped.
2018 Mazda CX-3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 146 hp | 146 hp | 146 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 44.5 cu-ft | 44.5 cu-ft | 42.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Mazda CX-3?
The biggest change is standard low-speed automatic braking on every 2018 CX-3 trim. It can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a low-speed collision.
Was the 2018 Mazda CX-3 redesigned?
No. The 2018 CX-3 remained part of the first generation, but it received meaningful safety, driving, comfort, and cabin-noise updates.
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 quieter and smoother than the 2017 model?
Yes. Mazda revised the steering, suspension, throttle and transmission response, then added better door seals, thicker rear glass, and more sound-deadening material to reduce noise and improve everyday ride quality.
What changed on the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Touring?
The 2018 Touring gained automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers as standard. It also received the lineup-wide automatic-braking, driving-response, and sound-insulation updates.
Did the engine or transmission change for the 2018 Mazda CX-3?
No. The 2018 CX-3 retained its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, though Mazda retuned their responses and added steering-linked torque control across the lineup.
2018 Mazda CX-3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mazda CX-3.
4.1
2018 Mazda CX-3
(98 reviews)
“Yes.......provided a sub compact SUV was right for them. I have no children and don't have a need for passenger space or cargo.”
“It's a perfect small SUV for someone that doesn't want a large vehicle but wants the perks of one. The back seats fold down for a perfect amount of space to transport small to midsized things.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 08 28 2018 Mazda Cx 3 Added Refinement Features
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 Mazda CX 3 Spec Deck
- mazdausa.com — 2018 / Cx3 / 2018 Cx 3 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2018 05 02 2019 Mazda Cx 3 Compact Dimensions Big Ambitions
- news.mazdausa.com — 2016 06 06 2017 Mazda Cx 3 Subcompact Crossover Ventures Into Showrooms
- news.mazdausa.com — 2019 Mazda CX 3 Spec Deck Version 1