Had one 4y so far, a Gt. 14k miles in 2018, 33k now. Best all around vehicle ever owned in 40 years. Great off road, and yes even at the track on wide low profile tires and 19 inch rims. Love it.
This is one hell of review..Haven't seen a review as great as this..Thorough yet short..Straight to the point.. I do agree. Alongside a HRV, this CX3 is a beauty
I love the look of the HRV, but the only thing that I do not like is the design of the tail lights in the HRV. The tail light's design just looks awkward on the HRV.
Bought a Touring in late October. For me it's a great car, as I donated my Miata to a friend. For someone looking for driving enjoyment and reliability, this is it. I don't care about space and I hate CVT's. I'd prefer a manual, but this is America.
Just bought a 2020 AWD CX3 and it's a fun little vehicle to drive. I took a 350 mile trip and it drove really good, a bit under powered, but not so bad. It can be parked anywhere and handles very well. Bought it new for around $22k in Texas.
@@meetankush hey, I'm from The Netherlands. Bought this car for around 16k euros (2016, 2.0 benzine, highest build configuration), with 110k KM on it after an old german lady. Can't be happier. Runs pretty fast, maneuvering is perfect. And looks just great!
+tflcar The CX-3 is not your slip & grip AWD of yore. It's I-Activ AWD system is *predictive* and it sends constantly varying amount of torque to the rear wheels. It does so based on multiple of inputs, such as steering angle, temperature, individual wheel speed, throttle position and many more. True, it is not an AWD system suitable for rock crawling, but it is quite a capable system, which keeps emphasis on driver involvement when driving over snow, wet roads or other low traction surfaces.
when I turn my traction control on my cx3 off while slipping a 4wd light blinks on the dash and all four wheels spin at once with the same power. I have a long steep snowy driveway
awesome review.. I had my Titanium Flash Grand Touring for a week now and loving it.. Space and cargo is right on which could be a little bit bigger if needed.. Coming from a Mid SUV and 98% I drive alone, a smaller package was more for the things I need as a daily commuter. Gas savings alone is already a huge plus... Fun to drive and peppy going around those semi trucks..
CX-3 for looks, HR-V for room. For my daily I'd have to pick the CX-3 as there is enough room for me, don't carry other people very often, and has enough room to carry stuff as opposed to cargo.
I own the CX3 and I do agree about the sight lines, but its not really an issue because that model has a fantastic blind spot detection system, thus the sight lines are not an issue for me. Also love the Rush shirt! I will choose freewill!!
When it comes to favourite TFL car reviews, my preferences are, in descending order; 1) Nathan on his own. What a guy !!! 2) Nathan and Roman, as an ersatz Laurel and Hardy comedy routine. 3) Roman on his own. This is a sympathy vote for the ancient. 4) Andre with A.N.Other. Andre's always fun to watch, irrespective of partner, and improving with each video. 5) Andre on his own. This isn't a criticism, it's just that Nathan's so good, and Roman's so old.
Troy Strain I agree with the Three Stooges comparison, it's just that remembering Emme " Just Hanging " Hall, it makes me sad. I bow before your awesome iconography, except for elk hunting. Oh, and Coors beer(?). America the beautiful, apart from the guns and the big brewery beer.
the xv is a lifted imprezza which is a compact car. these are all based off of subcompact cars cx3 is a lifted mazda 2 pretty much. hrv is a lifted fit etc.
I bought a 2016 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD with a 2.5 liter 184 hp engine which has much better rear seat leg room and rear storage. I am averaging 27.1 mpg combined and the vehicle cost me $27,395! Why the hell anyone would pay MORE for the much smaller CX-3 is completely insane!
test drove this bad boy twice in the last couple days and have to say it's a pleasure to drive... yes only down falt is the lack of trunk space and tight leg room but it makes up for that in every other aspect... we are going with the blue GT model...
without a doubt, mazda makes one of the better looking cars on the road right now. i think i'd like the front grill to be a little smaller, less dramatic, but overall it looks nice. i have a wrangler and love it, but this is an intriguing car.
I really enjoy your reviews and wanted to say thank you. I've been debating between the renegade and the cx-3. I've owned many mazdas and have never been disappointed with their reliability and handling. I've been weighting Renegade price/offroad capability vs CX3 looks/awd/handling. It is a tough one but your videos have been great help. Im still deciding hahaha
hi there, can i ask, what did you end i deciding? i have a 2016 cx-3 and i absolutely love it, bought it with only 45K miles. i've had it for over a year and people tell me they've never seen someone love a car like i love mine lol
Is the AWD version really worth it ? Wouldn´t the more economical FWD with snow tires be enough ? Really interested in this vehicle but not sure if the AWD is really worth it...
we own the CX5 with AWD. we absolutely love this car!! I like the race car acceleration when you I shift over into manual shift . I GET 28 + mpg. I find the AWD give the car much more stability when driving curves in the rain, haven't driven the snow yet, but I'm sure it will do just as well. I'd give this car a 5 Star rating... we bought the touring model, because we didn't really want the sunroof. We also got the 2.5L engine. We put 50,000 miles in the first 2 years of owning it. Never had any issues at all.
The AWD has the same effect in both cars. Look on youtube at the different reviews of the cx3 to see the capabilities Of the car. It was helpful to us.
This is a great car and it has the exact same interior (minus some trim color) as the Scion iA I drove and subsequently fell in love with. It has the same tight interior, though. I wish they put the 2.0-liter in that car, or at least put the excellent 6-speed manual from the iA into the CX-3. It does like to be pushed. I was going to name mine "Cheryl" because it likes to get its neck wrung. ;)
The reviewer makes a big error at 1:19. The awd on Cx3 does not work as he claims. It is a pro-active awd that starts working before the slippage occurs. It is not a reactive awd. This is a well know fact. I am very surprised and disappointed that he does not know about it.
When you guys get the new 2016 chevy volt can you show us the adaptive cruise and other safety features? Also go in depth on the touch screen functions and how much energy it takes to charge on a 240v level 2? I am looking to buy one and that would be awesome. +thefastlanecar
We just picked up our 2016 GT. We love it. May be small but mazdas quality is superior to many other companies especially Fiat and Chrysler. They have a huge list of problems
I think the mini countryman kills this sucker when it comes to "drivers car". The countryman is the most connected to the road car in this class I have ever experienced.
I really like the style of the mazda, but if you look at the tiguan review you complained the whole video about price and this car is the same price with less HP, less room, less towing, but you didint spend 7 min complaining about price like the tiguan video. I still like the videos, especially since I dive on snowy rutted roads to get to hotsprings in central idaho and old fire roads to go camping and your videos show me what performance i should expect out of possible future purchases.
But it has more equipment for the price. But for the Tig, VW added more equipment and dropped the price across the board. The base S 4motion is now $27k, with heated seats, leatherette & push button start But there lies the issue for the consumer, they choose between a loaded smaller car or next step up with less features for similar pricing
+wcjeep This is true. You can put a soda bottle in the cup holder and still have clearance. The arm rest sits that high. It's pretty firm, just don't elbow drop on it when you get in. The only place I found to put a clip on cup holder is at the base of the center console or put a (cheap/ugly) floor console with cupholders on the passenger floor. I'm not convinced with the bottle holder spots in the doors but they are there too.
Are you guys not doing the snowflake rating anymore? Was curious as to how the CX-3 did since consumer reports pointed to the CX-5 as one of the worst AWD vehicles for snow.
Also how do you choose which vehicles you want to take on gold mine hill with and basically drive till you are stuck or make it through, love seeing you guys push them till they either make it or get stuck.
Will you guys be testing the New Mitsubishi Outlander Sport? I think it is one of the most underrated cars on the market right now. I drove a OS and then a CX-5 and I know one is a compact and the other is a small crossover, but the new CX-3 is the same in the power department as the OS, but I still can't understand why Mitsu is $5000 less, priced option for option...and it has a better warranty. Don't get me wrong, I love the new Mazda's, I think they beat Nissan, Honda, and Toyota in the department by far. But the 2015 Mitsu OS is by far the best looking of all the crossovers (the word is still out on the 2016)
entertaining to see everyone's opinion about a vehicle , of course comparisons are subjective to the products provided to you. I am bias towards the Subaru Crosstrek that does compete in this infant cross-over segment .These would be my few top reasons I would consider the crosstrek , the superior traction full time symmetrical AWD , the top safety pick in its class , the only partial zero emissions standard vehicle that I have seen and all the heated things that mean the most to cold climate drivers. I found the controls for the tablet on the dash to be counter intuitive to operate , shades of BMW there. As your review has indicated the CX3 has the ground clearance of a passenger car , while the crosstrek is 8.7 inches or you can say 220mm. Thanks for posting this review TFLc
How is the Crosstreks AWD vs this because Mazda like to advertise it being superior. You guys should get the 2016 Crosstrek and CX-3 and see who can make it further in the snow.
+Matthew Mers tire choice will make a bigger difference than if it is CX3 with it's modern intelligent AWD vs Subbie with it's old school more mechanical AWD ....
Either give them the same tires or use the OEM ones. Does not matter to me, Mazda wants to declare their AWD is better than Subaru I want to see some tests.
Subie lacks dynamics of Mazda, lacks Fuel economy and it's old school AWD is simple and good but new Mazda system is more advanced and just as good but different ....
Im a big Mazda fan. I think Mazda might of missed a few potential buyers by making the car a bit too small. If they would opened up the rear instead of tapering it they could of gained a bit more cargo room and the car still would of looked plenty sporty. They should of gave up a tiny bit for function. Still a fantastic car.
How the heck do you stick your arms out the window of these cars? They're SO high up, almost to your neck! That's a no brainer, Mazda! I'm looking at the Crosstrek, but the CX-3 exterior and colors are way nice. Too bad that is all it has got for me.
+Raul Bravo it's a wierd thing, when they first started selling the last gen here in Mexico it didn't sell that well, it was 2 years on sale and it barely sold 2 thousand, now the 2016 is on sale they just can't keep up with the demand, you must wait from a couple of weeks or a few months to get it. I've seen it and been in it at the dealer, and it is fantastic considering the size and class it competes in, it really feels a class above...
+Viktor Freesmeier the reason small CUVs and SUVs are popular is because of seating position. Most non car people want to feel safe and see the road easily. Sitting up makes people feel safe because they can see. There ya go. I'll stick with my 96 miata tho :-)
+Raul Bravo The Scion iA is a Mazda 2 sedan with an uglier face. Once you get past the front end, it's a fantastic car. I fell in love with it when I drove it.
Aren't those kind of the same things....1 point for interior is too tight, and 1 point for very little storage and cargo room? I guess you could take 2 points off for just not enough space in general. For myself, I am 5' 8" tall and 145 lbs, so this car is a perfect fit for me, and am not looking for cargo space as much as I am a good handling fun to drive AWD vehicle that gets decent MPG. However I would take 2 points off for the silly iPad on the dash, and the plastic flip up with MPH on it, which I find distracting/annoying. If it had the CX-5 dash layout, I'd buy it in a second.
this car is for a small sized folks, who would feel intimate with it and will feel dimension better while driving like a rally driver, but plz don't, sooner or later get you in trouble.
+WayywayyH Wouldn't be a fair comparison because the CX-3 is a subcompact while the Crosstrek is a compact which is larger. it would be like comparing a Mazda 2 to a Mazda 3
Crosstreck has also a manual.. and ot's one of the best 4x4 you can get. Why these guys completely igmored that ? Saying Jeep Renegade is the only awd manual lol.. what a farse !
For that price I'd rather have a Juke Nismo or even Nismo RS. 50 more horsepower, all the same tech and features and way better performance. I think a lot of these sub compact crossovers are over priced, especially when you can drive off a Mazda lot in a comparable CX-5 at that price it.
Nice exterior, but too expensive and too small. I don't know how they expect to sell this car when their own vehicles are more practical. If they would just put AWD in the Mazda 3...
Good looking car but overpriced for a 2.0 liter engine. That model shown is $29k and no homelink available for a 2.0 engine. I repeat 2.0 engine. I paid $34k for a new toyota highlander xle model with v6 3.5 liter 275 horsepower which is 135 horses more or almost twice the power. Manual shift +/- are opposite positions compared to other cars. I also have an 8 year old 2008 Scion xB with a 2.4L engine that has more power at 160hp for $17k... that is $10k less than the Mazda.
+mrpmj00 And how often do you sit at the redline using all of that power? I'm guessing not very often. The Highlander is a larger vehicle than this is and doesn't have nearly the same technology in it.
The Toyota Highlander's 2000rpm probably generates as much power as the Mazda at its redline. People aren't stupid and that's why there are hundreds of Toyota Higlander on the road for every 1 Mazda CX-3 (I finally saw one yesterday and how long has it been for sale?).
It's been on sale for only a handful of months as opposed to years so I would hope you would see more. I'd be willing to bet it's making less power at that RPM than you think. It's likely making more torque, but it's also not getting the same fuel economy. People generally are stupid. That's why they buy Toyota's and Hondas which are basic appliances.
No, most people are smart and buy Toyota over Mazda. Why buy a Mazda than a Toyota when 1) resale value is lower 2) fewer dealerships means it is more inconvenient to get to 3) takes longer to get parts like when I owned a Nissan 4) Toyota gives you a bigger engine
mrpmj00 Because every Toyota currently sold short of the FR-S is boring. They have bland styling, cheap interiors, horrible CVT transmissions, and have the driving dynamics of appliances. With a Mazda, you won't need to make dealership visits. Parts don't take any longer than any other manufacturer. Resale value means nothing unless you trade in your vehicle often and it only makes those turd boxes more expensive than they should be when used. Bigger engine also means more cost in maintenance and fuel. I'd rather enjoy driving, not hate it.
You lost all credibility when you named the available competitors and left out the Subaru XV Crosstrek. It is the same size, has a much better AWD system and is available with a more powerful engine.
Yeah, but it has a CVT and an interior from the 1990s. Or as Edmunds.com puts it, "Underperforming engine means it's one of the slowest in the class; the CVT produces tiresome engine noise, especially when you're getting on the highway..."
When were you last inside a 2016 Forester? In snow, the Forester out-accelerates anything in the class, due to the full-time AWD system instead of the part-time systems in all of the other small crossovers.
The last time I got in a Subaru was just over a year ago. The salesman proudly told me it was the top of the line. I looked at the interior, laughed at him, and excused myself from the test drive. Sorry, but Subaru may be noted for their decent AWD system, but their interiors are a sick joke, it's like stepping into a time warp that takes me back 20 years. I travel for a living, so I have a rental car every week. I have driven just about every car you can think of under $65K. Subaru is right there at or near the bottom for interiors. And the ONLY good thing Subaru had going for them was the good drive train, and bang, they put a CVT in it. I'd rather buy a Kia. As for AWD, my BMW 535 drives like a rear wheel drive until it hits snow, and then it drives like an AWD thanks to the X Drive system. And it will quite easily out accelerate your Forester, in any conditions.
Are you seriously comparing a Subaru Crosstrek to a BMW 535? I could buy Three Crosstreks for the price of the beemer. The Crosstrek, including its interior, is built for utility. For example, the controls are all designed so that they can be operated by a driver who is wearing gloves. How does the joystick on your BMW work with gloves. The shape of the Crosstrek is designed to swallow large items. The Crosstrek is also designed so that large items, like bicycles and kayaks can be easily attached to the outside. If you do not like the CVT, feel free to buy the manual transmission. Or does shifting put you into a time warp, too? I recently rented a GMC Terrain, which is the same size as the Subaru Forester. The interior of the Terrain was much less usable. For example, the climate/audio touch screen was tilted away from the driver, which made it very hard to reach. Subaru make their EyeSight system, which includes automatic braking, adaptive, cruise control, lane departure warnings, etc., available on almost all trim levels, unlike other manufacturers. Where can you find a package of safety assists like this in a vehicle that costs less than $30,000? Finally, the Subaru has full-time all-wheel drive, which is clearly superior to the part-time system that you describe. The Subaru does not need to wait until the wheels have already started to slip before the front wheels receive power. The Subaru also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which allows it to easily navigate terrain and snow depths that would stop dead your BMW. I would estimate that, after a six-inch snowfall, your BMW would not be moving at all. Any Subaru crossover would cruise right past it. That is the kind of superior acceleration for which Subarus are built.
David Kinnear Obviously I was being glib, you can't compare a $68,000 car to any Subaru. To your points, sure a car with 8.7" of ground clearance would be better in 7 inches of snow than a BMW with 5.6" Then again if you were really going to routinely drive in that much snow, why not drive a real SUV? I did drive a Honda this weekend, and I'll say CVT has come a long way recently. It wasn't terrible. As for gloves, there are no controls in my BMW that I can think of that would need me to take off my gloves. As for manual transmission, that is a dead technology for old people and young boy racers who think it is cool. When VW can make a Golf with a dual clutch auto that can change gear in 1/10th of a second, it renders the manual gearbox obsolete. Honestly, I was so disgusted with the last Subaru I went to look at, I have a hard time thinking I could like it. All the wonders of ground clearance and AWD are all available in real SUVs with lots of ground clearance; far more than a Subaru. But I'll accept that you think they are good, and I'll take a look at one some time. Maybe they have improved enormously since I last looked. Unfortunately, Edmunds says that while it is good off road, as you suggested, they note that the car is sluggish, with poor handling and the CVT is 'unrefined' and falls behind competitors. Doesn't give me a lot of hope.
It actually outperforms its competitors in acceleration metrics, according to car and driver. That test was completed pitting the cx3 against a turbocharged Chevy trac and a fiat 500x with a 180hp tiger shark under the hood. Maybe the engines numbers aren't class leading but it is extremely light
subaru XV crosstrek????????????????........ try googling Audi Quattro in the 1980's yes that's right, subaru copied another already available drivetrain including a engine designed stolen from the czeckslvaki in the 1940's. In what part of history has japan design a engineering influence in the automotive industry? they have to copy then improve... yeah! real genius.
Why do people buy these stupid crossovers? My blacked out 2008 Nissan Altima has way more cargo space, the same amount of rear seat room, AND it's faster and sits low so it looks like a sports car. This is not a great looking car. The rear end is hideous.
Pretty dumb question. The people who buy these want ground clearance with a lot of practicality without scaling to a large size suv. The type of person who doesnt want a "lowered sports-looking" sedan to haul their family around.
+kimmosaatana tell me what a normal family that doesn't go off-roading needs ground clearance for. My Altima has loads of practicality. It just looks cool.
+Viktor Freesmeier regions with a lot Snow, bad roads, speed bumps, steep driveway entrances , parking with bumpers above the parking blocks to name a few. Ground clearance really needs to be explained?
+kimmosaatana stop talking to me like I'm stupid, first of all. Second of all, where do these cars really go besides the soccer game, grandmas house and the grocery store?
+Viktor Freesmeier "regions with a lot Snow, bad roads, speed bumps, steep driveway entrances , parking with bumpers above the parking blocks to name a few. "
Love my CX-3! Up here in Canada the AWD is a must. Last winter I had no problems, never got stuck, and never sat at a green light spinning my wheels.
I heard Mazda Service costs more than Toyota and Mitsubishi, plz give ur opinion and share your experience about reliability. Thanx
Had one 4y so far, a Gt. 14k miles in 2018, 33k now. Best all around vehicle ever owned in 40 years. Great off road, and yes even at the track on wide low profile tires and 19 inch rims. Love it.
This is one hell of review..Haven't seen a review as great as this..Thorough yet short..Straight to the point..
I do agree. Alongside a HRV, this CX3 is a beauty
I love the look of the HRV, but the only thing that I do not like is the design of the tail lights in the HRV. The tail light's design just looks awkward on the HRV.
Well, I can agree on that.. Overall the HRV is rather nice but the rear ends just lets it down
Bought a Touring in late October. For me it's a great car, as I donated my Miata to a friend. For someone looking for driving enjoyment and reliability, this is it. I don't care about space and I hate CVT's. I'd prefer a manual, but this is America.
Just bought a 2020 AWD CX3 and it's a fun little vehicle to drive. I took a 350 mile trip and it drove really good, a bit under powered, but not so bad. It can be parked anywhere and handles very well. Bought it new for around $22k in Texas.
Howdy!
What trim did you buy? I’m looking at a 2016 Touring for 14k that has about 94k miles on it. Do you think that’s a good buy?
@@meetankush hey, I'm from The Netherlands. Bought this car for around 16k euros (2016, 2.0 benzine, highest build configuration), with 110k KM on it after an old german lady. Can't be happier. Runs pretty fast, maneuvering is perfect. And looks just great!
+tflcar The CX-3 is not your slip & grip AWD of yore. It's I-Activ AWD system is *predictive* and it sends constantly varying amount of torque to the rear wheels. It does so based on multiple of inputs, such as steering angle, temperature, individual wheel speed, throttle position and many more.
True, it is not an AWD system suitable for rock crawling, but it is quite a capable system, which keeps emphasis on driver involvement when driving over snow, wet roads or other low traction surfaces.
when I turn my traction control on my cx3 off while slipping a 4wd light blinks on the dash and all four wheels spin at once with the same power. I have a long steep snowy driveway
awesome review.. I had my Titanium Flash Grand Touring for a week now and loving it.. Space and cargo is right on which could be a little bit bigger if needed.. Coming from a Mid SUV and 98% I drive alone, a smaller package was more for the things I need as a daily commuter. Gas savings alone is already a huge plus... Fun to drive and peppy going around those semi trucks..
Just leased 2 of these vehicles Grand Touring package love it.. Couldn't be happier.
hnnotyy do u have the cx30 now?
@@sepas65 No 2 CX5s same trim level.
I've got 215,65,16 BFG K02's on my CX3 thing looks like a little rally suv. Really does wonders in the snow and mud.
CX-3 for looks, HR-V for room. For my daily I'd have to pick the CX-3 as there is enough room for me, don't carry other people very often, and has enough room to carry stuff as opposed to cargo.
Mazda has been on a roll lately. If it was a cx-3speed then it would be worth 30k.
Are you guys ever going to get rid of that stupid rating system where you throw laminated numbers into the air?
I own the CX3 and I do agree about the sight lines, but its not really an issue because that model has a fantastic blind spot detection system, thus the sight lines are not an issue for me. Also love the Rush shirt! I will choose freewill!!
I heard Mazda Service costs more than Toyota and Mitsubishi, plz give ur opinion and share your experience about reliability. Thanx
When it comes to favourite TFL car reviews, my preferences are, in descending order;
1) Nathan on his own. What a guy !!!
2) Nathan and Roman, as an ersatz Laurel and Hardy comedy routine.
3) Roman on his own. This is a sympathy vote for the ancient.
4) Andre with A.N.Other. Andre's always fun to watch, irrespective of partner, and improving with each video.
5) Andre on his own. This isn't a criticism, it's just that Nathan's so good, and Roman's so old.
***** Thank you.
Troy Strain I agree with the Three Stooges comparison, it's just that remembering Emme " Just Hanging " Hall, it makes me sad.
I bow before your awesome iconography, except for elk hunting. Oh, and Coors beer(?).
America the beautiful, apart from the guns and the big brewery beer.
Looking to cross-shop this with subaru next year. Live in MI where there's plenty of snow. Very helpful review, thanks Nathan!
Why does everyone leave out the Subaru XV Crosstrek in these comparisons. It competes with all of these cars in size and price.
Sorry but the Subaru is in a different segment. It is one size bigger and it does not directly compete in this new sub compact crossover segment.
the xv is a lifted imprezza which is a compact car. these are all based off of subcompact cars cx3 is a lifted mazda 2 pretty much. hrv is a lifted fit etc.
+The Fast Lane Car really ?
+The Fast Lane Car really ?
+The Fast Lane Car really ?
I bought a 2016 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD with a 2.5 liter 184 hp engine which has much better rear seat leg room and rear storage. I am averaging 27.1 mpg combined and the vehicle cost me $27,395! Why the hell anyone would pay MORE for the much smaller CX-3 is completely insane!
I've been waiting for a video like this!!!
The windows are so small and im glad someone finally pointed it out, shoulder checking view is terrible
test drove this bad boy twice in the last couple days and have to say it's a pleasure to drive... yes only down falt is the lack of trunk space and tight leg room but it makes up for that in every other aspect... we are going with the blue GT model...
PocketSand
no cx-3 gt and we ended up buying it. its a sweeeeet car
MyHairyChin I got a white touring model cx-3 a few weeks ago it's such a nice car for the price and handles so well
Rabid49Panda
without a doubt, mazda makes one of the better looking cars on the road right now. i think i'd like the front grill to be a little smaller, less dramatic, but overall it looks nice. i have a wrangler and love it, but this is an intriguing car.
Alex Brooks
I really enjoy your reviews and wanted to say thank you. I've been debating between the renegade and the cx-3. I've owned many mazdas and have never been disappointed with their reliability and handling. I've been weighting Renegade price/offroad capability vs CX3 looks/awd/handling. It is a tough one but your videos have been great help. Im still deciding hahaha
hi there, can i ask, what did you end i deciding? i have a 2016 cx-3 and i absolutely love it, bought it with only 45K miles. i've had it for over a year and people tell me they've never seen someone love a car like i love mine lol
From my mazda demio to this awd the fuel is gonna be more to full?
The tires are all weather or snow? Many thanks
+1 for the Rush 2112 shirt.
Is the AWD version really worth it ? Wouldn´t the more economical FWD with snow tires be enough ? Really interested in this vehicle but not sure if the AWD is really worth it...
if you don't think it's worth it then just get the fwd?
exionem If you get a lot of snow , it would be worth it lol
we own the CX5 with AWD. we absolutely love this car!! I like the race car acceleration when you I shift over into manual shift . I GET 28 + mpg.
I find the AWD give the car much more stability when driving curves in the rain, haven't driven the snow yet, but I'm sure it will do just as well.
I'd give this car a 5 Star rating...
we bought the touring model, because we didn't really want the sunroof. We also got the 2.5L engine. We put 50,000 miles in the first 2 years of owning it. Never had any issues at all.
Thanks, but I´m interested in the smaller CX3
The AWD has the same effect in both cars. Look on youtube at the different reviews of the cx3 to see the capabilities
Of the car. It was helpful to us.
This is a great car and it has the exact same interior (minus some trim color) as the Scion iA I drove and subsequently fell in love with. It has the same tight interior, though. I wish they put the 2.0-liter in that car, or at least put the excellent 6-speed manual from the iA into the CX-3. It does like to be pushed. I was going to name mine "Cheryl" because it likes to get its neck wrung. ;)
My soul red cx3 is called 'Christine' from the red Fury in that movie. 'She' loves to drive at speed!
The reviewer makes a big error at 1:19. The awd on Cx3 does not work as he claims. It is a pro-active awd that starts working before the slippage occurs. It is not a reactive awd. This is a well know fact. I am very surprised and disappointed that he does not know about it.
I love mine, just got it today.
Great car love mine too
I heard Mazda Service costs more than Toyota and Mitsubishi, plz give ur opinion and share your experience about reliability. Thanx
When you guys get the new 2016 chevy volt can you show us the adaptive cruise and other safety features? Also go in depth on the touch screen functions and how much energy it takes to charge on a 240v level 2? I am looking to buy one and that would be awesome. +thefastlanecar
What about the Nissan Juke or as the post below mentioned Subaru Crosstrek
We just picked up our 2016 GT. We love it. May be small but mazdas quality is superior to many other companies especially Fiat and Chrysler. They have a huge list of problems
I think the mini countryman kills this sucker when it comes to "drivers car". The countryman is the most connected to the road car in this class I have ever experienced.
I really like the style of the mazda, but if you look at the tiguan review you complained the whole video about price and this car is the same price with less HP, less room, less towing, but you didint spend 7 min complaining about price like the tiguan video. I still like the videos, especially since I dive on snowy rutted roads to get to hotsprings in central idaho and old fire roads to go camping and your videos show me what performance i should expect out of possible future purchases.
But it has more equipment for the price. But for the Tig, VW added more equipment and dropped the price across the board. The base S 4motion is now $27k, with heated seats, leatherette & push button start
But there lies the issue for the consumer, they choose between a loaded smaller car or next step up with less features for similar pricing
I read elsewhere the arm rest was in the way of the cup holders. True?
+wcjeep This is true. You can put a soda bottle in the cup holder and still have clearance. The arm rest sits that high. It's pretty firm, just don't elbow drop on it when you get in. The only place I found to put a clip on cup holder is at the base of the center console or put a (cheap/ugly) floor console with cupholders on the passenger floor. I'm not convinced with the bottle holder spots in the doors but they are there too.
Glad to see the manual still available, I see they dumped the manual in the Tucson.
What is the flip up window above the gauges? Heads up display or something?
+chefdan87
Yup, that's the HUD.
is there any way that you guys can get a 2015 ford edge AWD to test off road like this?
Everyone leaves out the seats. Those things are super plush and comfortable.
I live in Alberta where it snows a lot in winter, does this CX3 have enough ground Clearance to handle snow ?
No way.. you will hate it. Dont do this on yourself !
Go get a rav4 ... used. 2012 with a v6 if you dont care about fuel.. it's about 13L/100km
I guess it comes down to cost, but too bad we can't have the space and magic seats of the HR-V and everything else of the CX-3.
Hi what sport mode do?
For the AWD to work, do you have to deactivate the traction control?
no, for the awd to work exactly like 4wd you turn traction control off and then when slipping a "4WD" light flashes on the dash NOT AWD but 4WD.
what about the juke?
Are you guys not doing the snowflake rating anymore? Was curious as to how the CX-3 did since consumer reports pointed to the CX-5 as one of the worst AWD vehicles for snow.
Also how do you choose which vehicles you want to take on gold mine hill with and basically drive till you are stuck or make it through, love seeing you guys push them till they either make it or get stuck.
The awd does not just wait until wheel slip to kick in. It's much more advanced than that
Will you guys be testing the New Mitsubishi Outlander Sport? I think it is one of the most underrated cars on the market right now. I drove a OS and then a CX-5 and I know one is a compact and the other is a small crossover, but the new CX-3 is the same in the power department as the OS, but I still can't understand why Mitsu is $5000 less, priced option for option...and it has a better warranty. Don't get me wrong, I love the new Mazda's, I think they beat Nissan, Honda, and Toyota in the department by far. But the 2015 Mitsu OS is by far the best looking of all the crossovers (the word is still out on the 2016)
entertaining to see everyone's opinion about a vehicle , of course comparisons are subjective to the products provided to you. I am bias towards the Subaru Crosstrek that does compete in this infant cross-over segment .These would be my few top reasons I would consider the crosstrek , the superior traction full time symmetrical AWD , the top safety pick in its class , the only partial zero emissions standard vehicle that I have seen and all the heated things that mean the most to cold climate drivers.
I found the controls for the tablet on the dash to be counter intuitive to operate , shades of BMW there.
As your review has indicated the CX3 has the ground clearance of a passenger car , while the crosstrek is 8.7 inches or you can say 220mm.
Thanks for posting this review TFLc
+Bill Wong No, it does not compete in the subcompact class because it's a compact.
How is the Crosstreks AWD vs this because Mazda like to advertise it being superior. You guys should get the 2016 Crosstrek and CX-3 and see who can make it further in the snow.
+Matthew Mers tire choice will make a bigger difference than if it is CX3 with it's modern intelligent AWD vs Subbie with it's old school more mechanical AWD ....
Either give them the same tires or use the OEM ones. Does not matter to me, Mazda wants to declare their AWD is better than Subaru I want to see some tests.
I think it is more modern, in some situation maybe better, I would not go further....
What are you using to back this up?
Subie lacks dynamics of Mazda, lacks Fuel economy and it's old school AWD is simple and good but new Mazda system is more advanced and just as good but different ....
what about the Subaru xv crosstrek? it is definitely better in the snow than any of the vehicles mentioned and has more ground clearance! wt@ tfl????
Subaru refuses to give TFL any cars :(
+FrancineRA1970 that's a shame because they make really good vehicles!
+Ninjadragon40 That's because the XV Crosstrek isn't in the same class of vehicles so it does not compete against this
You forgot to mention the Subaru XV Crosstrek
+OutdoorEnthusiast88 Because the XV Crosstrek is not a subcompact crossover. It is a compact crossover
Very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Alright fine Ill buy it.
Renegade does not have manual transmission with awd.
Pls do the 2016 CX9 !
Im a big Mazda fan. I think Mazda might of missed a few potential buyers by making the car a bit too small. If they would opened up the rear instead of tapering it they could of gained a bit more cargo room and the car still would of looked plenty sporty. They should of gave up a tiny bit for function. Still a fantastic car.
cx5
Great review ! Rush rules !
I heard the Government classified this a passenger car, not an SUV like most crossovers. Does anyone know why?
I get that it's fun for the class but damn for the price you can get an Outback and a Disney vacation.
Even though this car is pretty good, I would still prefer the Nisaan Juke.
the area look to cold y he now wear sth to cover up^^ omg if it me i probably
wear 3 layers shirt already
How the heck do you stick your arms out the window of these cars? They're SO high up, almost to your neck! That's a no brainer, Mazda! I'm looking at the Crosstrek, but the CX-3 exterior and colors are way nice. Too bad that is all it has got for me.
What about vs the Nissan Juke...
+george aronis no comparison. The juke feels like a lemon, looks like a lemon...it made my decision very easy.
the hrv comes in a manual and so does the juke
+PedoBear The HR-V only comes in a manual with FWD only and only in Base and EX trims
it's better then subaru xv?
It's such a shame that Mazda didn't bring over the new Mazda2 such a beautiful vehicle. Not everyone wants a lifted car.
I never saw the point of a lifted car. I mean seriously, where do these things really go besides the soccer game and the grocery store?
+Raul Bravo it's a wierd thing, when they first started selling the last gen here in Mexico it didn't sell that well, it was 2 years on sale and it barely sold 2 thousand, now the 2016 is on sale they just can't keep up with the demand, you must wait from a couple of weeks or a few months to get it. I've seen it and been in it at the dealer, and it is fantastic considering the size and class it competes in, it really feels a class above...
+Viktor Freesmeier the reason small CUVs and SUVs are popular is because of seating position. Most non car people want to feel safe and see the road easily. Sitting up makes people feel safe because they can see. There ya go. I'll stick with my 96 miata tho :-)
+Raul Bravo The Scion iA is a Mazda 2 sedan with an uglier face. Once you get past the front end, it's a fantastic car. I fell in love with it when I drove it.
+Andrew Kyser I see. I like to ride low!
Aren't those kind of the same things....1 point for interior is too tight, and 1 point for very little storage and cargo room? I guess you could take 2 points off for just not enough space in general. For myself, I am 5' 8" tall and 145 lbs, so this car is a perfect fit for me, and am not looking for cargo space as much as I am a good handling fun to drive AWD vehicle that gets decent MPG. However I would take 2 points off for the silly iPad on the dash, and the plastic flip up with MPH on it, which I find distracting/annoying. If it had the CX-5 dash layout, I'd buy it in a second.
this car is for a small sized folks, who would feel intimate with it and will feel dimension better while driving like a rally driver, but plz don't, sooner or later get you in trouble.
"Just say no!" Nancy Reagan. You crack me up!
you should pin it against a crosstrek
+WayywayyH While we are at it, let's put the CX-5 against a Navigator. They are two different class of vehicles
+83FB7 I thought both where CUVs? no?
WayywayyH There are multiple classes of CUVs based on size.
83FB7 hm, well I would compare the two if I where buying a car.
+WayywayyH Wouldn't be a fair comparison because the CX-3 is a subcompact while the Crosstrek is a compact which is larger. it would be like comparing a Mazda 2 to a Mazda 3
It's tight or you're huge? Hashtag "just saying"
NICE T SHIRT¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ LOVE RUSH
Crosstreck has also a manual.. and ot's one of the best 4x4 you can get.
Why these guys completely igmored that ?
Saying Jeep Renegade is the only awd manual lol.. what a farse !
Needs 200 hp!
+Pine Top Outdoors Yeah it needs a turbo.
+MrKeyboardCommando so true. Who the hell will buy this and be like. Drags strip time!!!
I agree. I'd like the pep and sportiness if had a turbo.
Nice shirt....”RUSH”
Hondas are for mudda peeps with no pulse or passion for life...they just live to work.
heroin addict en Puerto Rico
This vehicle is nice 🥰
it looks good I just wish it had more power
sportsMike87 why more power if you not race? if it has more power you would complaint about the Mpg.
146hp out of a 2 liter engine made in 2016 is just not enough
Please tell me you didn't litter our Colorado mountains with paper...
For that price I'd rather have a Juke Nismo or even Nismo RS. 50 more horsepower, all the same tech and features and way better performance. I think a lot of these sub compact crossovers are over priced, especially when you can drive off a Mazda lot in a comparable CX-5 at that price it.
Change the color and one could save $700.00, I think. At least that was true with my Mazda 3.
Nice exterior, but too expensive and too small. I don't know how they expect to sell this car when their own vehicles are more practical. If they would just put AWD in the Mazda 3...
Good looking car but overpriced for a 2.0 liter engine. That model shown
is $29k and no homelink available for a 2.0 engine. I repeat 2.0 engine.
I paid $34k for a new toyota highlander xle model with v6 3.5 liter 275
horsepower which is 135 horses more or almost twice the power. Manual shift +/- are opposite positions compared to other cars. I also have an 8 year old 2008 Scion xB with a 2.4L engine that has more power at 160hp for $17k... that is $10k less than the Mazda.
+mrpmj00 And how often do you sit at the redline using all of that power? I'm guessing not very often. The Highlander is a larger vehicle than this is and doesn't have nearly the same technology in it.
The Toyota Highlander's 2000rpm probably generates as much power as the Mazda at its redline. People aren't stupid and that's why there are hundreds of Toyota Higlander on the road for every 1 Mazda CX-3 (I finally saw one yesterday and how long has it been for sale?).
It's been on sale for only a handful of months as opposed to years so I would hope you would see more. I'd be willing to bet it's making less power at that RPM than you think. It's likely making more torque, but it's also not getting the same fuel economy. People generally are stupid. That's why they buy Toyota's and Hondas which are basic appliances.
No, most people are smart and buy Toyota over Mazda. Why buy a Mazda than a Toyota when 1) resale value is lower 2) fewer dealerships means it is more inconvenient to get to 3) takes longer to get parts like when I owned a Nissan 4) Toyota gives you a bigger engine
mrpmj00 Because every Toyota currently sold short of the FR-S is boring. They have bland styling, cheap interiors, horrible CVT transmissions, and have the driving dynamics of appliances. With a Mazda, you won't need to make dealership visits. Parts don't take any longer than any other manufacturer. Resale value means nothing unless you trade in your vehicle often and it only makes those turd boxes more expensive than they should be when used. Bigger engine also means more cost in maintenance and fuel. I'd rather enjoy driving, not hate it.
Very nice car except not having a lot of room.
You lost all credibility when you named the available competitors and left out the Subaru XV Crosstrek. It is the same size, has a much better AWD system and is available with a more powerful engine.
Yeah, but it has a CVT and an interior from the 1990s.
Or as Edmunds.com puts it, "Underperforming engine means it's one of the slowest in the class; the CVT produces tiresome engine noise, especially when you're getting on the highway..."
When were you last inside a 2016 Forester?
In snow, the Forester out-accelerates anything in the class, due to the full-time AWD system instead of the part-time systems in all of the other small crossovers.
The last time I got in a Subaru was just over a year ago. The salesman proudly told me it was the top of the line. I looked at the interior, laughed at him, and excused myself from the test drive.
Sorry, but Subaru may be noted for their decent AWD system, but their interiors are a sick joke, it's like stepping into a time warp that takes me back 20 years.
I travel for a living, so I have a rental car every week. I have driven just about every car you can think of under $65K. Subaru is right there at or near the bottom for interiors.
And the ONLY good thing Subaru had going for them was the good drive train, and bang, they put a CVT in it. I'd rather buy a Kia.
As for AWD, my BMW 535 drives like a rear wheel drive until it hits snow, and then it drives like an AWD thanks to the X Drive system. And it will quite easily out accelerate your Forester, in any conditions.
Are you seriously comparing a Subaru Crosstrek to a BMW 535? I could buy Three Crosstreks for the price of the beemer.
The Crosstrek, including its interior, is built for utility. For example, the controls are all designed so that they can be operated by a driver who is wearing gloves. How does the joystick on your BMW work with gloves. The shape of the Crosstrek is designed to swallow large items. The Crosstrek is also designed so that large items, like bicycles and kayaks can be easily attached to the outside.
If you do not like the CVT, feel free to buy the manual transmission. Or does shifting put you into a time warp, too?
I recently rented a GMC Terrain, which is the same size as the Subaru Forester. The interior of the Terrain was much less usable. For example, the climate/audio touch screen was tilted away from the driver, which made it very hard to reach.
Subaru make their EyeSight system, which includes automatic braking, adaptive, cruise control, lane departure warnings, etc., available on almost all trim levels, unlike other manufacturers. Where can you find a package of safety assists like this in a vehicle that costs less than $30,000?
Finally, the Subaru has full-time all-wheel drive, which is clearly superior to the part-time system that you describe. The Subaru does not need to wait until the wheels have already started to slip before the front wheels receive power. The Subaru also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which allows it to easily navigate terrain and snow depths that would stop dead your BMW. I would estimate that, after a six-inch snowfall, your BMW would not be moving at all. Any Subaru crossover would cruise right past it. That is the kind of superior acceleration for which Subarus are built.
David Kinnear Obviously I was being glib, you can't compare a $68,000 car to any Subaru.
To your points, sure a car with 8.7" of ground clearance would be better in 7 inches of snow than a BMW with 5.6" Then again if you were really going to routinely drive in that much snow, why not drive a real SUV?
I did drive a Honda this weekend, and I'll say CVT has come a long way recently. It wasn't terrible.
As for gloves, there are no controls in my BMW that I can think of that would need me to take off my gloves.
As for manual transmission, that is a dead technology for old people and young boy racers who think it is cool. When VW can make a Golf with a dual clutch auto that can change gear in 1/10th of a second, it renders the manual gearbox obsolete.
Honestly, I was so disgusted with the last Subaru I went to look at, I have a hard time thinking I could like it.
All the wonders of ground clearance and AWD are all available in real SUVs with lots of ground clearance; far more than a Subaru.
But I'll accept that you think they are good, and I'll take a look at one some time. Maybe they have improved enormously since I last looked.
Unfortunately, Edmunds says that while it is good off road, as you suggested, they note that the car is sluggish, with poor handling and the CVT is 'unrefined' and falls behind competitors. Doesn't give me a lot of hope.
la frogs en Puerto Rico
For just a few thousand more, you can get the CX-5. More more vehicle for not much more money.
Ben Stern not everyone wants a big car like the CX5
Point taken David. Different strokes for different folks.
I never trust the judgement of a man wearing a Rush t-shirt. For $30k I'll buy a GTI instead all day long.
Yeah but you can't take a GTI up a trail like that
What´s wrong with Rush ?
Oh, gosh, I'm first again. Ah, well, pre-eminence is my God given right.
3:30 I'm small and i like tight things 😉
Where is Toy Stains ? Is the old duffer running out of steam ? 😴👴🏼⛩
Bunch of money for a small vehicle. This is under powered as well especially if you have more than one body in it.
It actually outperforms its competitors in acceleration metrics, according to car and driver. That test was completed pitting the cx3 against a turbocharged Chevy trac and a fiat 500x with a 180hp tiger shark under the hood. Maybe the engines numbers aren't class leading but it is extremely light
subaru XV crosstrek????????????????........ try googling Audi Quattro in the 1980's yes that's right, subaru copied another already available drivetrain including a engine designed stolen from the czeckslvaki in the 1940's. In what part of history has japan design a engineering influence in the automotive industry? they have to copy then improve... yeah! real genius.
Great vehicle for wealthy Little People families.
X1>CX-3
BMW>MAZDA
7th
+Mauricio Cruz Congratulations!!!! 👍🏼
Grossly overpriced!!!
This car is butt ugly
Why do people buy these stupid crossovers? My blacked out 2008 Nissan Altima has way more cargo space, the same amount of rear seat room, AND it's faster and sits low so it looks like a sports car. This is not a great looking car. The rear end is hideous.
Pretty dumb question. The people who buy these want ground clearance with a lot of practicality without scaling to a large size suv. The type of person who doesnt want a "lowered sports-looking" sedan to haul their family around.
+kimmosaatana tell me what a normal family that doesn't go off-roading needs ground clearance for. My Altima has loads of practicality. It just looks cool.
+Viktor Freesmeier regions with a lot Snow, bad roads, speed bumps, steep driveway entrances , parking with bumpers above the parking blocks to name a few. Ground clearance really needs to be explained?
+kimmosaatana stop talking to me like I'm stupid, first of all. Second of all, where do these cars really go besides the soccer game, grandmas house and the grocery store?
+Viktor Freesmeier "regions with a lot Snow, bad roads, speed bumps, steep driveway
entrances , parking with bumpers above the parking blocks to name a few. "