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The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact SUV that aims to please in multiple ways. It’s fun to drive, is fuel-efficient, and according to Consumer Reports? The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is pretty reliable too. 

2021 Mazda CX-3 parked in a city setting
2021 Mazda CX-3 | Mazda

How Consumer Reports judges reliability

Consumer Reports isn’t just making up scores and doling them out at random. In all actuality, there’s quite a lot of data that goes into determining a vehicle’s predicted reliability. In fact, every year, Consumer Reports says it surveys its members as part of its Auto Reliability Surveys. And its latest round of surveys? Consumer Reports received reports on over 329,000 vehicles. These reports detailed any serious issues these members had with their vehicles during the past 12 months. Those responses were then used to determine how reliable certain vehicles are.

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 scored some pretty high marks

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 earned itself some pretty high marks from Consumer Reports this year. With a five out of five predicted reliability rating, it’s safe to say that the Mazda CX-3 is a pretty reliable SUV. Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. While it may have a sky-high predicted reliability rating, it didn’t fare so well when it came to its predicted owner satisfaction rating.

According to Consumer Reports, while the 2021 Mazda CX-3 may have scored a five out of five predicted reliability rating, it did earn a two out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. So, what’s the hang-up? Well, according to Consumer Reports, some owners of the CX-3 may not be satisfied with how comfortable the vehicle’s cabin is. Let’s be honest though, cabin comfort is pretty subjective, so don’t rule out the CX-3 over this score. Not to mention, according to Car and Driver, its interior is “well-built” and its “impressively detailed cabin feels upscale.”

What else the 2021 Mazda CX-3 has going for it

Plus, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 has a lot going for it otherwise. Standard under the hood of this year’s CX-3 is a 148-hp 2.0-liter engine. While that doesn’t make for the most potent engine, Car and Driver reports that the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is pretty fun to drive. Car and Driver added that its “rev-happy nature adds a raciness its rivals lack.” 

Car and Driver isn’t the only one calling out this year’s CX-3 for being fun to drive either. Consumer Reports added, “Agile handling and a spirited powertrain when revved contribute to an enjoyable drive and it gets good fuel economy to boot.” 

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 boasts plenty of safety features too. This year’s model comes standard with sought after safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, advanced smart city brake support with day and night time pedestrian detection, smart brake support with collision warning, radar cruise control with a stop & go feature, and lane departure warning. Not to mention, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 was a Top Safety Pick+, which bodes well for this year’s model. 

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-3 a good subcompact SUV?

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a pretty well-rounded vehicle. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and it’s reportedly pretty fun to drive. But does that mean it’s the right fit for you? Not necessarily. To find that out, we recommend taking this Mazda out for a test drive.

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