2021 Mazda CX-3  RealSafeCars76Safety Rating

#59 of 2021 SUVs

#113 of all 2021 vehicles


Pictured: 2016 Mazda CX-3
The CX-3, introduced by Mazda in 2016, is a mini SUV with seating up to 5. The CX-3 has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The CX-3 provides superior EPA (miles per gallon) for its class, easing fuel costs and reducing pollution. It handles mud, snow, and sand with ease with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Having more than average horsepower for its class, the CX-3 packs some oomph. Mazda offers a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on its lineup.


The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is below average compared to all vehicles.

Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has a score of 76, implying a 0.047% chance of driver death (4.2% chance of injury).

We estimate that the 2021 Mazda CX-3 has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0471% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 5.384%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0471% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 5.384% chance of being injured.

Compared to the average vehicle, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is 1% more likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is 16% more likely to result in a fatal accident.

Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE active safety features can protect loved ones by reducing accident severity and preventing accidents. Active safety systems that are standard on the Mazda CX-3 include: Forward Obstruction Warning with Smart City Brake Support / Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).

Some safety technologies get a lot of press, but others may also improve safety. Standard side mirror turn signals alert others of your intention to turn or switch lanes allowing them to react accordingly, which can prevent accidents caused by not seeing a vehicle in the blind spot. Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), which is standard on the 2021 Mazda CX-3, points headlights towards the direction that the vehicle is heading, even on turns. Standard High-Beam Control System (HBC) on the 2021 Mazda CX-3 automatically switches off high beams headlights when another vehicle is nearby.


But it is safer than many comparable models.

9256Hyundai VenueKia SeltosHyundai KonaNissan KicksHonda HR-VHyundai VelosterToyota C-HRMazda CX-30Volkswagen GolfBuick EncoreChevrolet TraxMazda CX-3Comparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 56 to 92. The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is safer than the 2021 Hyundai Venue, the 2021 Kia Seltos, the 2021 Hyundai Kona, the 2021 Nissan Kicks, the 2021 Honda HR-V, and the 2021 Hyundai Veloster and less safe than the 2021 Volkswagen Golf, the 2021 Mazda CX-30, and the 2021 Toyota C-HR. It is about as safe as the 2021 Chevrolet Trax.

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