Are you wondering if the Mazda CX-3 is truly one-of-a-kind? Let’s investigate the theory that there are similar cars on the market. You’ll find that the CX-3’s 148 horsepower engine is matched by its competitors, and its unique features are rivaled by other compact crossovers.
As you navigate the options, you’ll discover that each model offers something distinct – but which one will come out on top?
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Key Takeaways
- The 2019 Hyundai Kona has a similar engine to the CX-3, producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque.
- The Chevrolet Trax has a similar engine to the CX-3, producing 138 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque.
- The 2019 Buick Encore has a turbocharged engine option, similar to the CX-3’s engine, producing 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
- The 2018 Nissan Kicks has a smaller engine, producing 125 horsepower, but is more affordable than the CX-3.
- The 2019 Toyota C-HR has a similar peppy engine to the CX-3, producing 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque.
2019 Buick Encore: A Promising Alternative
Nine alternatives to the Mazda CX-3 are vying for your attention, and the 2019 Buick Encore stands out as a promising alternative.
You’ll appreciate the flexibility in driving configuration, with four front-wheel drive trim levels and three all-wheel drive trims.
Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged engine producing 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, or a direct-injected version with 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
The Encore offers a compact design with a focus on practicality, featuring up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.
Honda HR-V: a Crossover With Magic Seats
If you’re looking for a more compact alternative to the Buick Encore, the Honda HR-V is worth considering.
With a starting price of $21,515, it offers a unique second-row Magic Seat that folds down flat to maximize cargo space or flips upward to fit tall items.
The HR-V comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 141 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
You’ll also have the option of Honda’s Real Time AWD system.
This compact crossover SUV is perfect for small families or individuals, with a total passenger capacity of five people.
2019 Toyota C-HR: A Rakish and Peppy Option
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover that stands out from the crowd with its rakish design. You’ll find three trim levels, each featuring a peppy 2.0-liter engine rated at 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission, making good use of the power.
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|
| LE | 2.0L | 144 |
| XLE | 2.0L | 144 |
| Limited | 2.0L | 144 |
| Transmission | Drive Type | Price (Starting) |
| CVT | FWD | $21,990 |
The C-HR Limited trim includes heated leather front seats, along with a 7-inch touchscreen audio system that supports limited smartphone integration and voice recognition.
2018 Nissan Kicks: An Economical and Feature-Packed Choice
One of the most attractive options in the small crossover segment is the 2018 Nissan Kicks, a feature-packed vehicle that won’t break the bank.
You’ll appreciate its economical price tag, starting at just $17,990.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.6-liter engine, producing 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission.
As a front-wheel drive vehicle, the Kicks is well-suited for city driving and fuel efficiency.
- 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with CD player, AM/FM/Satellite radio, USB input, and Bluetooth
- Top-of-the-line trim level priced at just $20,290
- Exclusively front-wheel drive for ideal fuel efficiency
2019 Chevrolet Trax: A Well-Rounded and Connected Option
You’ll appreciate the Trax’s cargo space options, which provide up to 48.4 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.
The infotainment features are also remarkable, with a 7-inch Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, you’ll have the ability to create a Wi-Fi connection inside the vehicle, making the Trax a well-rounded and connected option.
Cargo Space Options
Nine compact SUVs offer ample cargo space, and the Chevrolet Trax stands out with its impressive 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, making it a practical option for those who need a spacious vehicle.
You’ll appreciate the flexibility to haul gear for road trips or daily errands.
- Cargo space behind the front seats: 48.4 cubic feet
- Cargo space configuration options: adjustable seats and foldable rear seats
- Easy loading and unloading: wide hatch opening
Infotainment Features
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax’s infotainment system takes center stage, boasting a 7-inch Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen that seamlessly integrates your smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
You’ll appreciate the intuitive interface and voice recognition feature, which lets you control the system hands-free.
With a native 4G/LTE data connection, you can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the vehicle, making the Trax a connected option in its class.
Whether you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you’ll enjoy a seamless connection and access to your favorite apps on the go.
2018 Jeep Renegade: A Rugged and Capable Alternative
You’ll find the Jeep Renegade stands out with its rugged design features, such as optional removable roof panels, that give it a unique look.
Under the hood, you’ve got powerful engine options, including a 1.4-liter engine rated at 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter engine rated at 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.
These features make the Renegade a great alternative to the Mazda CX-3.
Rugged Design Features
When venturing off the beaten path, rugged design features become paramount, and the 2018 Jeep Renegade delivers with a starting price of $19,440 for the front-wheel drive model, boasting a 1.4-liter engine rated at 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
With the Renegade, you get:
- A rugged design that’s backed by its reputation as a reliable and durable vehicle
- Optional removable roof panels and great rugged looks that evoke the classic Jeep style
- Ability to handle off-road terrain, making it a great option for those who want a capable and rugged alternative to the Mazda CX-3
Powerful Engine Options
Building on its rugged design, the 2018 Jeep Renegade packs a punch under the hood, offering more power and better performance than the Mazda CX-3.
You’ll get 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from the 1.4-liter engine, outperforming the CX-3’s 2.0-liter engine.
The available 2.4-liter engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, further widening the performance gap.
The six-speed manual transmission provides a more engaging drive, while the available nine-speed automatic transmission offers smoother gear shifts and better fuel efficiency than the CX-3’s automatic transmission.
2018 Kia Niro: A Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid Option
The Kia Niro is a unique offering in the compact SUV market, providing buyers with a choice between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid model, each boasting impressive fuel efficiency and practical cargo space.
You’ll appreciate the versatility of this subcompact SUV.
- The hybrid model starts at $24,280, while the plug-in hybrid begins at $32,440 before tax credits.
- The Niro offers up to 54.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the front seats, or 19.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
- With an estimated 49 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway, the Niro’s fuel efficiency is hard to ignore.
2018 Hyundai Kona: A New Subcompact SUV to Consider
You’ll find the Hyundai Kona offers a range of features, including engine option combinations that provide up to 139 system horsepower.
The Kona’s hybrid drivetrain pairs a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai Kona Features
Compact SUV shoppers will find the Hyundai Kona’s feature set particularly compelling, with a hybrid drivetrain that sets it apart from competitors.
You’ll appreciate the tech features, including:
- Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A native 4G/LTE data connection and Wi-Fi hotspot
- Up to 54.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the front seats, or 19.4 feet behind the rear seats.
With the Kona, you get a unique design and feature set that sets it apart from its competitors in the subcompact SUV market.
Kona Engine Options
With its hybrid drivetrain, the 2018 Hyundai Kona offers a unique powertrain experience.
You’ll get a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor combination, producing a combined 139 system.
Power is passed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
This setup provides a smooth and efficient ride, which could translate to better mpg on the highway.
Although exact fuel economy numbers aren’t specified, this hybrid powertrain is designed to deliver impressive fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for those looking for a fuel-conscious subcompact SUV.
Design Comparison With Similar Cars
The Mazda CX-3’s bold design sets it apart from its conservative counterparts, but it’s not the only game-changer in town.
You’ll find the 2019 Toyota C-HR’s rakish look competing with the CX-3 for standout individuality, while the 2019 Honda HR-V takes a more practical approach.
- 2019 Toyota C-HR: angular and futuristic design
- 2019 Honda HR-V: boxy shape maximizing cargo capacity
- 2018 Hyundai Kona: aggressive and rugged, focusing on sportier and premium appeal
Practicality Comparison With Competitor Cars
You’ll find the Mazda CX-3 outdone in practicality by its competitors.
The 2019 Honda HR-V’s Magic Seat folds down flat or flips up to fit tall items, trumping the CX-3’s cargo space.
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax and 2018 Kona provide more cargo capacity behind the front seats, with the Kona and 2018 Kia Niro offering 54.5 cubic feet.
Even the 2019 Toyota C-HR’s 36.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats surpasses the CX-3’s cargo capacity.
In terms of practicality, the Mazda CX-3 is outmatched by its peers.
Engine Comparison With Similar Vehicles
In terms of engine power, the Mazda CX-3 holds its own against similar vehicles.
You’ll find it compares favorably to its competitors in terms of horsepower.
- The CX-3’s 2.0 four-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower, outpacing the Honda HR-V’s 141 horsepower and the Toyota C-HR’s 144 horsepower.
- The Nissan Kicks’ 1.6-liter engine lags behind at 125 horsepower.
- The Chevrolet Trax’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the Hyundai Kona’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine are similar to the CX-3’s engine at 138 horsepower and 147 horsepower, respectively.
Price Comparison With Similar Models
As you weigh your options, price becomes a critical consideration. The Mazda CX-3’s competitors vary in price, but some are more affordable. Here’s a breakdown:
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2019 Buick Encore | $24,000 |
| 2019 Honda HR-V | $21,515 |
| 2019 Toyota C-HR | $21,990 |
| 2018 Nissan Kicks | $17,990 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Trax | $20,795 |
The Mazda CX-3’s price point is similar to the Buick Encore’s, while the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are more affordable options. The Nissan Kicks is the most budget-friendly choice, and the Chevrolet Trax falls in the middle.
Conclusion
As you weigh your options, the Mazda CX-3’s sporty vibe clashes with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax’s tech-savvy approach. The 2019 Buick Encore’s comfort-oriented drive contrasts with the 2018 Nissan Kicks’ budget-friendly appeal. Meanwhile, the Honda HR-V’s versatility and the 2019 Toyota C-HR’s bold design language challenge the CX-3’s overall package. Ultimately, the perfect fit depends on your priorities.
