Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda CX-3
Compact crossovers are very popular with a growing number of buyers impressed by the value, performance, style, versatility and fuel economy the vehicles offer. Many who love the exhilarating feeling they get from driving a Mazda are in a quandary trying to decide which of two exceptional Mazda automobiles they should buy. the attractive, sporty, compact Mazda CX-3 or the larger, roomier Mazda CX-5 compact crossover. It's a tough choice. Both vehicles have everything you want in a vehicle.
Cabin Space
Cabin space is one area in which you begin to see a little separation between these two Mazda automobiles. Built using small car architecture, the CX-3 has a compact interior. The front seat has 38.4 inches of headroom with no moonroof and 37.6 inches of headroom with one. With 41.7 inches of front legroom the CX-3 is actually roomier than in its bigger brother the CX-5. But it only has 35 inches of legroom in the back seat. In the Mazda CX-5, the front seat headroom is 39.7 inches without the moonroof and 39.1 inches with it. And it has 39.6 inches of legroom in the second row. Plus, its smart design gives 41 inches of front legroom.
Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity is another area in which the Mazda CX-5 tops the Mazda CX-3. With the rear seats in sitting position the CX-3 has 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Add the Bose stereo system with extra speakers and it shrinks to 9.4 cubic feet. Fold down the rear seat and the cargo space expands to a generous 44.5 cubic feet. Even with seating for 5, the Mazda CX-5 has 30.0 cubic feet of cargo space. If you fold down the second-row of seats it increases to 60 cubic feet. The height between the cargo floor and the roof is almost three feet. The CX-5’s cargo area can hold all your family's gear for a weekend away, but the CX-3 has more city-friendly exterior dimensions.
Powertrains
The Mazda X-3 is powered by a 148 horsepower, 2.0-liter, inline-four engine that makes 146 pound-feet of torque. It works in tandem with a six-speed automatic transmission to produce the fast acceleration Mazda drivers love. This combination has enough verve to create a fun driving experience. Under the CX-5's hood you will find a 187 horsepower, 2.5 liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates 146 pound-feet of torque or a turbocharged version of that same engine that has 227 to 250 horsepower and delivers 310 to 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Technology
Mazda doesn’t skimp on technological features when it comes to the CX-3. It comes with push-button start, a 7.0-inch infotainment system with a multi-function Commander knob, shortcut buttons or voice command. It also has the Mazda i-ActivSense group of driver assistance features. Some of its features are automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The CX-5 has all that plus a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and optional features like a gauge cluster with a reconfigurable TFT display and a 360-degree camera view. Signature models have Nappa leather seats in Caturra Brown.
Exterior Design
Both the Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda CX-5 have attractive, stylish exteriors which feature shark noses, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, swollen wheel arches and a nicely tuned suspension. The CX-3 is 168.3 inches long, 60.7 inches in height, 68.6 inches wide and has a wheelbase that's 101.3 inches long. It also has 6.1 inches of ground clearance. The Mazda CX-5 is 179.1 inches in length, 65.4 in in height, is 72.5 inches wide, with a 106.2 inch wheelbase and 7.5 inches in ground clearance. Both crossovers have a roof-mounted “shark fin” antenna, dual power body-colored side mirrors, body-color door handles and a rear roofline spoiler.
Pricing
The tall, stubby, crossover-like base model Sport trim Mazda CX-3 has a starting price is very competitive. You can add All-Wheel-Drive for a small amount more. The compact crossover CX-5 has a starting price that is usually only a bit more for its base Sport model, that has a non-turbocharged engine. Like the CX-3, All-Wheel-Drive is available for only a small sum extra. The Carbon Edition Turbo model with All-Wheel-Drive and tends to start to climb up a bit. Both the Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda CX-5 offer great value for the price with their combination of style and active personality.
Performance
Both the Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda CX-5 are known for their maneuverability, pace, handling and excellent overall automotive performance. They both are nimble, hug the curves, deliver a smooth ride, have great driving dynamics and superior handling on rainy, snowy or icy roads. They are comfortable, quiet, inside, have good sound systems, great gas mileage, no maintenance issues and are fun to drive. While they are both excellent automobiles, its roomier interior makes the CX-5 a better family vehicle. However, the CX-3 is better suited for weaving through tightly packed city roads.
Safety And Driver Assistance Features
The Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 have impressive safety and driver assistance features. They include radar cruise control, smart brake support that detects pedestrians, lane departure and collision warnings and LATCH child seat functionality. The Mazda CX-3 has even been named a top safety pick and won awards for having great safety features. The Mazda CX-5 also has a great safety record and good safety and driver assistance features like a back-up camera, lane departure warning, adjustable steering wheel, 4-wheel disc brakes and more.
A Tough Choice
Deciding between the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 is a tough choice. They are both practical vehicles that are fun to drive. Even these family-friendly crossovers have sports-car-like handling. With their peppy, frugal, four-cylinder engines, versatility and available all-wheel-drive, both the CX-3 and the CX-5 are excellent choices. Both can hold five occupants, but the smaller CX-3 is an advantage for city-dwellers. But the CX-5 has two rows of seats and much more cargo area. Which is the better choice? Stop by Seacoast Mazda and see which one best meets your needs.