“It's so tiny on the inside for front seat passenger and especially backseat passengers. Trunk space also tiny, even when folding backseats down. No arm rest for driver.”
2019 Mazda CX-3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 gets a meaningful mid-cycle refresh rather than a minor trim reshuffle. The headline is a broad refinement update that makes it smoother, quieter, more practical, and better equipped for safety.
About the 2019 Mazda CX-3
1st generation (2016-2021 in the US), 2019 refresh year.
Mazda positions the CX-3 as a city-sized crossover for drivers who want style, a more upscale cabin feel, and sharper handling than most small SUVs. Its appeal is not maximum cargo room; it is compact size, easy maneuverability, and a driver-focused feel paired with useful safety tech and available AWD. For most buyers, the CX-3 is the small crossover choice for urban commuting and daily driving with a more polished look and feel than many rivals.
The Sport is the straightforward entry trim, with a 7-inch touchscreen, low-speed automatic braking, push-button start, and blind-spot monitoring. Touring adds everyday comfort with heated front seats, automatic climate control, and upgraded cabin trim. Grand Touring has the premium touches, including leather seats, navigation, a head-up display, a moonroof, Bose audio, and a broader driver-assistance suite.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is retuned to 148 hp and 146 lb-ft. Mazda also recalibrated the suspension and steering for a smoother, quieter driving experience.
Styling
The CX-3 receives a revised grille, updated taillights, and new wheel designs. Cabin materials are upgraded, and added sound insulation reduces interior noise.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and direct tire-pressure monitoring become standard across the lineup. Grand Touring also makes its broader driver-assistance suite standard, including lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and higher-speed automatic braking with pedestrian detection.
Tech
An electronic parking brake with Auto Hold becomes standard. Its smaller controls allow for a redesigned center console with more storage, plus a new rear center armrest with cupholders.
2019 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 | 148 hp | 148 hp | 148 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 | 41.7 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 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
Is the 2019 Mazda CX-3 significantly different from the 2018 model?
Yes. The 2019 CX-3 receives a mid-cycle refresh with a retuned engine, revised suspension and steering, more sound insulation, updated exterior details, a redesigned center console, and broader standard safety equipment.
Does the 2019 Mazda CX-3 have more power than the 2018 model?
Yes. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder is retuned to produce 148 hp and 146 lb-ft. Mazda also recalibrated the suspension and steering to improve smoothness and refinement.
What safety equipment became standard on the 2019 Mazda CX-3?
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and direct tire-pressure monitoring became standard on every 2019 CX-3 trim. Grand Touring also gained a standard driver-assistance suite with lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and automatic braking with pedestrian detection.
Did the 2019 Mazda CX-3 get a quieter or more practical interior?
Yes. Mazda added sound insulation and upgraded cabin materials, while the new electronic parking brake made room for a redesigned center console with more storage. A rear center armrest with cupholders was also added.
What changed on the 2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring?
The 2019 Grand Touring gained full leather upholstery and made its advanced driver-assistance features standard. Those features include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and automatic braking with pedestrian detection.
2019 Mazda CX-3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Mazda CX-3.
4.1
2019 Mazda CX-3
(229 reviews)
“It is a ladies' vehicle. It is sporty and fun to drive. It is a bit sluggish when you punch the accelerator. It has all kinds of safety features to warn you of many things.”
“Coming from a 4-dr sedan, the CX-3 is a great way to ease into the SUV world. It's still really tight and compact in a good way. It feels sturdy and close to the ground like a sedan but gets you up higher with all the huge SUVs and trucks on the road. Nice compromise when you're used to smaller but want to go a bit larger.”