Compare the 2019 Mazda CX-3 vs Mazda CX-5

With ample payload room that grows even bigger by tucking away the rear seats, it’s no wonder crossovers hold the top spot in auto sales. The 2019 Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 both offer this in a quality package. With different sizes and feature levels, they also provide a contrast that gives consumers a pleasant choice.

Performance

The relatively lightweight of the 2019 Mazda CX-3 means 148 horsepower is more than enough to send it down roads or up hills. A 2-liter inline-4 engine accomplishes this. United with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it also delivers 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. When all-wheel drive is selected, mileage is 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. With greater size, the CX-5 takes a bit more vigor to keep things brisk, and it does it 2 ways. A 2.5-liter I-4 releases 187 horsepower. Hooked to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it gets 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive versions knock a mile per gallon off each of these numbers. For really heavy loads or exceptional acceleration, a 2.5-liter turbo-4 is available with 227 horsepower that’ll do the trick. Along with a 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive is standard, and 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway are the results.

Appearance

It’s clear from looks that the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 are siblings, so making a selection overlooks is pretty simple. The silhouette of either vehicle includes a gradual curve along the roofline that steadily flows to the back before terminating in an overhang above the rear hatch window. Stretched triangular headlights sit below prominent hood creases and flank the elliptical upper grille that holds the familiar Mazda logo. A lower rectangular grille embedded in the bumper completes the front-end design, and the hood creases slide downward along the side door panels. The rear hatch on both crossovers utilizes triangular taillights and a recessed section for the license plate.

Features

The primary difference between the 2019 Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 is in cargo space. Both crossovers are very similar in seating leeway, but the CX-5 devotes its larger size to a 30.9 cubic foot cargo section than swells to 59.6 cubic feet with the second row lowered. By comparison, the CX-3 starts with 12.4 cubic feet that reach 44.5 cubic feet in expanded mode. The CX-5 also adds 2 extra models, the Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature edition, to the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring editions found in both crossovers. Starting with the Sport edition, things line up nicely with a 7-inch touchscreen, air conditioning, and 6-speaker music in both vehicles. Moving up the line, the CX-3 adds features like leather trim and 7 speakers while the extended range of CX-5 models includes an 8-inch touchscreen, 10-speaker Bose sound, and twin-zone climate control.

Travel Light or Travel Big

For buyers wanting compact crossover capability that doesn’t skimp, the 2019 CX-3 is just right. If more carrying capacity and a few more frills are desired, the 2019 CX-5 awaits. Try them both out at our dealership today.