Mazda CX-3: Which Should You Buy, 2020 or 2021?

Most significant changes: Night pedestrian detection now included as part of the low-speed forward collision detection and avoidance system; enhanced auto on/off feature for LED headlights

Price changes: None

On sale: September

Which should you buy, 2020 or 2021? With upgraded safety technology not costing any extra, the 2021 is the choice.

Mazda’s smallest SUV, the subcompact CX-3, soldiers on into the 2021 model year despite the presence of the slightly larger CX-30 subcompact SUV (and the Mazda3 hatchback). For 2020, Mazda consolidated the CX-3’s trim levels down to one, the Sport, which is still the only trim available for 2021.

Related: Mazda3: Which Should You Buy, 2020 or 2021?

Price

The good news is that the CX-3’s price hasn’t changed for 2021. This comes despite enhanced safety technology including a low-speed forward collision detection and avoidance system that’s capable of detecting pedestrians at night, as well as an improved auto on/off system for its standard LED headlights. A front-wheel-drive 2021 CX-3 will cost $21,740, and adding all-wheel drive costs another $1,400, bringing the price up to $23,140 (all prices include a $1,100 destination).

Engine, Transmission and Features

Power for either FWD or AWD versions of the CX-3 is still provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower and 146 pounds-feet of torque, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Additional standard features on the CX-3 include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a full suite of advanced safety technologies, including forward collision detection and avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.

Release Date

The 2021 CX-3 goes on sale in September, according to Mazda, and with upgraded safety tech at no additional cost, it’s a more attractive option than an identically priced 2020.

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