2018 Mazda CX-3 — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is a hatchback powered by a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 35–37 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mazda CX-3 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Mazda CX-3: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 37 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Length | 4275 mm |
| Width | 1765 mm |
| Height | 1535 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 88 cu ft (2,492 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 35 urban / 41 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 29 city / 34 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 180 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2018 Mazda CX-3, all with the 2L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 29 to 31 mpg (US), or 35 to 37 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (27/32) | 191 | $2,300 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (29/34) | 180 | $2,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 88 cubic feet (about 2,492 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Mazda CX-3
Running Costs: 2018 Mazda CX-3
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Mazda CX-3 at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Mazda CX-3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2018 Mazda CX-3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 23V487000, reported 14 July 2023. Risk: A rearview camera that does not display properly can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mazda CX-3. The most-reported areas are Engine (2), Back over prevention (2), Electrical system (2). Complaints include 1 reported crash. That is close to the median of 16 complaints across the 6 Mazda CX-3 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Mazda CX-3
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (2 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (2 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (1 owner complaint) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Mazda models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2018 Mazda CX-3's 37 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 180 g/km CO₂ figure is 18 g/km lower than the 198 g/km Mazda average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Mazda CX-3
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mazda CX-3?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 35 to 37 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2018 Mazda CX-3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Mazda CX-3?
Among the 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (2 complaints), Back over prevention (2 complaints), Electrical system (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 88 cubic feet (about 2,492 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.