2020 Mazda CX-3 — Full Specifications

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

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37Best Combined MPG (UK)
2L 4-cylEngine
Regular GasolineFuel Type
$2,150Est. Annual Fuel (US EPA)
5★NHTSA Safety
180CO₂ g/km

The 2020 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 2019 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

Engine2L 4-cyl
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Fuel TypeRegular Gasoline
PowertrainConventional
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Body StyleHatchback
Length4275 mm
Width1765 mm
Height1535 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 Emissions180 g/km
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score7 / 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 2020 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.

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG (UK)MPG (US)CO₂ g/kmFuel cost / yr
2L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive 35 29 (27/32) 188$2,300
2L 4-cylAutomatic (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 2020 Mazda CX-3

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Running Costs: 2020 Mazda CX-3

Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 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.

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2020 Mazda CX-3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)

5★Overall
5★Frontal
5★Side
4★Rollover

Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2020 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.

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2020 Mazda CX-3. The most-reported areas are Air bags (1). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported injury. That is well below the median of 16 complaints across the 6 Mazda CX-3 model years in our data.

Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 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:

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 2020 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Mazda CX-3 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2020 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 2020 Mazda CX-3?

Among the 1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (1 complaint). 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 2020 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.

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