2019 Mazda CX-3 Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost

The subcompact crossover class doesn't offer much in the way of expectations, acting more like the redheaded stepchild of cars. Most of the vehicles in that market don't perform well and have unusual styling. As it does with most other segments, Mazda manages to deliver a unit that stands out for its superior characteristics. Though it's a sportier vehicle, the CX-3 lacks room in the backseat and in the trunk.

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 comes with an electronic parking brake and a center armrest bin, which means you will get a little more room to store your smaller personal items. This year, the crossover gets a bit more power under the hood too, and the cabin sounds quieter than ever before. Given the generous list of features and the improved fuel economy, the 2019 Mazda CZ-3 should undoubtedly make your short list.

What's New for 2019?
 
Mazda first released the CX-3 in 2016, and the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is part of that generation.

This year, the engine and styling both see some mild improvements. All trims now get a center bin and armrest as well as comprehensive safety features.

Styles
 
Capable of seating five, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover with enough features to put its competition to shame.

Now that all trims have the same advanced safety features included, the best trim for most buyers will be the Sport trim. Before, you could only get the top safety features when paying for the top-tier Grand Touring trim.

The midlevel Touring trim offers the best balance between nice-to-haves and price. It's not a cheap upgrade by any means, but you get nice conveniences like heated front seats.

Trims

There are three picks for the 2019 Mazda CX-3:

•  Sport

•  Touring

•  Grand Touring

In all cases, you get a 2.0L four-cylinder engine capable of producing 146 pound-feet of torque and 148 horses. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all trims have the ability to swap to all-wheel drive. Either way, you get a six-speed automatic transmission.

At the Sport trim, you get the standard fare of equipment like cruise control, a six-speaker audio system, a 7-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports, auto emergency telematics, and a manually-adjustable driver's seat, all on 16-inch alloy wheels. As far as advanced safety features go, you'll get automatic braking if the vehicle detects a forward collision under 19 miles per hour, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.

Going up to the Touring trim adds two inches to the wheels and adds leather to the steering wheel. In addition to cloth upholstery, the midlevel trim also gets auto climate control, a sunglasses holder in the overhead console, auto wipers and headlights, heated front seats, and keyless ignition with entry.

Topping off the trim ladder is the Grand Touring, which comes with its own generous list of features. The seven-speaker Bose premium sound system plays both HD and satellite radio. The interior also comes with full leather upholstery, a heads-up display, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, a sunroof, a cover for cargo, and LED exterior lighting. Advanced safety features into high auto beams, warning in case of lane departure, and adaptive cruise control with the complete range of speed.

The Grand Touring exclusively gains access to the Premium package, which contains additional creature comforts.

Driving Impressions
 
As mentioned above, there's not enough in the subcompact crossover market to inspire buyers with many expectations, but the 2019 Mazda CX-3 gives you every reason to look again. With its excellent balance of hardware, the CX-3 has fantastic steering. If it had better tires and gearing, the drive would be even more fun, but it is somewhat limited as-is.

This year, Mazda gives more power to its CX-3, which makes it better for driving around the city or merging from the ramp on to the highway. If you're trying to push uphill or pass someone at highway speeds, then you're going to need the full throttle to make it happen.

Around town, the brake pedal is smooth and unchallenging to regulate. It turns out the anti-lock braking system is a noisy one, which you'll discover if you ever need to come to a hard panic stop. This action will take an average 127 feet to stop from 60 miles per hour.

As far as steering goes, though, the CX-3 excels. It's direct and builds off-center, building resistance in a way you can predict as you press into corner turns. Even at slow speeds, you'll have a sense of control over the vehicle, which helps add confidence in all situations.

For a small crossover, the CX-3 is nimble and responsible. Turning is accurate, and you'll always feel in control around the corner. If you take the edge too quickly, though -- a value which is lower than you'd think -- then the tires get noisy. That takes winding roads out of the question if you value quiet.

The six-speed transmission suffers from tall gearing, which doesn't mesh very well with the meek engine underneath the hood of the 2019 Mazda CX-3. You'll notice this mostly when you need to pass someone on the highway. Finally, there is the option to swap to Sport Mode, which improves the throttle, but not enough to enhance the drive at top speeds.

Fuel Economy
 
Sport: 29 city / 32 hwy
Touring: 27 city / 32 hwy
Grand Touring: 27 city / 32 hwy

Formula for Calculating Dealer Cost:

• Example: Base Mazda CX-3 invoice price + the dealer Invoice price of options + destination - Holdback = Total Dealer Cost.
• What is Holdback? A hidden amount that manufacturers give back to a dealer. It is a percentage of the MSRP or the Invoice price.

Total Dealer Cost - Rebate and Incentive + Taxes / Licensing Fees = True Dealer Cost. (You can get rebates and incentives here.)

Note: All Mazda CX-3 MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are approximate amounts. Prices are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.