CUV Comparison: 2020 Honda HR-V Vs. 2020 Mazda CX-3

Honda HR-V LX | Standard Vehicle Comparison | Mazda CX-3 Sport |
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$20,920* | Base Price MSRP | $21,740 |
141 | Standard Horsepower | 148 |
28 / 34** | Fuel Economy (city / highway) | 29 / 34 |
13.2 gallons | Fuel Capacity | 12.7 gallons |
CVT | Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
Yes | Available AWD | Yes |
100.1 cu. ft. | Passenger Volume | 87.6 cu. ft. |
39.3 inches | Rear Legroom | 35 inches |
58.8 cu. ft. | Maximum Cargo Capacity | 42.7 cu. ft. |
5 | Standard Seating (passengers) | 5 |
17-Inch | Standard Wheel Size | 16-Inch |
Five | Available Trims | One |
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Subcompact CUV Showdown: Honda Vs. Mazda
If you're shopping for an affordable new vehicle that's fuel-efficient, versatile and fun to drive, a subcompact crossover utility vehicle, or CUV, is a smart choice. Two of the top options in the subcompact segment today are the new Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3. Here, we'll compare these two models to see which comes out on top in key areas, such as passenger space, cargo capacity, features, value and more.
If you've been in the market for a small CUV, you will likely already have these two models on your radar and test-drive list. The 2020 Honda HR-V is available now and remains a prevalent choice in this segment, due to its class-exclusive features and cabin amenities, which we'll cover in this comparison review.
Mazda's CX-3 is the smallest of the brand's lineup of crossovers, and it shows, as this model is also one of the smallest CUVs available.
So how do these two models compare, and which one is a better fit for you? We've covered some key specs and features above, but let's now delve deeper with a detailed comparison!
Comparing Cabins
If there's one thing that can be said for the 2020 Honda HR-V, it's that it boasts a highly functional and flexible interior! This roomy ride makes great use of space with innovative features like Honda's 2nd-Row Magic Seat® that presents four distinct seating modes. HR-V drivers can choose from Tall Mode, Long Mode, Refresh Mode and Utility Mode to suit their passenger- and cargo-transporting needs. It's so quick and easy to switch between these modes, too!
Thanks to Honda's smart storage solutions and amenities like the 2nd-Row Magic Seat®, the 2020 HR-V can hold up to 58.8 cubic feet of cargo. That's way more than what the 2020 Mazda CX-3 can muster, as it boasts just 42.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.
The story is similar when we look at total passenger volume. One look at the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 side-by-side and it's clear that the Honda is the bigger vehicle. That larger footprint translates to more space inside for cargo and passengers alike!
With just 87.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 can't quite compete with the extra-roomy Honda HR-V, which treats its up to five occupants to 100.1 cubic feet of passenger space. This disparity is certainly felt by back-seat passengers, where the Honda provides an additional 4.3 inches of rear legroom. That's a huge difference when it comes to comfort!
Even though the HR-V is Honda's smallest and most affordable crossover or SUV, it still offers this vehicle with available leather-trimmed seating surfaces. In contrast, Mazda's 2020 CX-3 can only be had with cloth seating, which may be a deal-breaker for some car shoppers.
Other Key Differences
We've covered many of the main differences between the 2020 Honda HR-V and the 2020 Mazda CX-3, including interior dimensions and features. But what about pricing and customization?
Another key advantage of the Honda HR-V is its lower starting price and an array of available trims or editions. The 2020 Honda HR-V LX base trim boasts a starting MSRP that's nearly a grand less than the 2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport!
But wait, there's more. While the new HR-V is offered in five distinct trims, Mazda only offers the 2020 CX-3 in one: the Sport base model.
The new Honda HR-V gives CUV shoppers so many choices, including cloth or leather seats, 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, a standard or premium audio system. The list goes on, with available amenities like Honda Sensing® driver-assistive technologies, heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, smart entry, a Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ and LED headlights.
Since the 2020 Mazda CX-3 is only available in the Sport base trim, there are few options that shoppers have to customize this model to their liking. Besides a few paint color upgrade options, available all-wheel drive (AWD) and some accessories, there are not many available amenities you can add to the CX-3 base edition. This reality may leave some buyers wanting more premium features, but they're just not available on this Mazda model.
The 2020 Honda HR-V also gives you a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive, with AWD standard on the top-trim Touring. If you're looking for plenty of choices to tailor your next vehicle to your personality, lifestyle and budget, you'll want to go with the HR-V over Mazda's CX-3!
Experience the New Honda HR-V at Our Longview, WA, Dealership
As you can see from our comparison review, the 2020 Honda HR-V holds many key advantages over its subcompact competition, including the 2020 Mazda CX-3. The team at Stirling Honda is confident that if you tour and test drive these two models, you'll come to the same conclusion as we have: the HR-V outshines the CX-3 in most key areas.
Our Longview, WA, auto dealership welcomes nearby Chehalis area drivers to shop and visit for access to the full lineup of new Honda HR-V crossovers for sale. If you'd like to see how the HR-V compares to the CR-V or any other Honda model, we can help you with that, too!
Upgrading to a new Honda here at Stirling Honda is always an affordable endeavor. We encourage you to see our new and used car specials and consider our current offers and incentives to make your upgrade to a Honda HR-V even more affordable than you imagined.
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1120 destination charge and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $395 charge for select premium colors.
**28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 27 city/31 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD LX trims. 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, EX, EX-L & Touring trims. Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.