2017 Mazda CX-3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 29 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 168.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,811–2,952 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,952 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (29 city / 34 highway), 15% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 CX-3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 CX-3 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 60.6 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 2,952 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 60.6 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 59.8 in | 2,811 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 34 / 31 | +15% | $2,150 | 288 |
| CX-3 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +8% | $2,300 | 308 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Mazda CX-3.
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Mazda CX-3 (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2017 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Nissan Leaf | 107 mi | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jul 14, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V487000 · 236,100 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 13, 2023. Final owner letters for affected models and model years in the states of CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA were mailed August 14, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated on or before May 1, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6023G.
Not every 2017 Mazda CX-3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Mazda CX-3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,450 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Mazda CX-3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →