2016 Mazda CX-3 Priced Affordably, Sort Of

2016 Mazda CX-3 (Credit: Mazda)

A lot of people have been excited about the 2016 Mazda CX-3. The Japanese automaker is known for making fun-to-drive vehicles and is finally entering into the red-hot subcompact crossover segment. With expectations high, we finally have U.S. pricing details for the new vehicle. The verdict is that the CX-3 is affordable, yet at the same time not so much.

To start off, you can at least technically get a CX-3 brand new off the lot for $19,960. That price doesn’t include fees, taxes, etc. so expect to be a least a little above $20,000. That’s not a bad deal, at least seemingly, but remember that you’re getting a completely bare-bones model.

Adding i-ACTIV all-wheel drive to the Sport trim only requires a $1,250 bump in the price. The system measures factors such as road conditions, ambient temperature, weather and the steering angle to make predictive adjustments.

Upgrading to the Touring trim increases the price to $21,960. It’s still a pretty good deal, considering that the crossover comes with leatherette upholstery, front seat heaters and a rear cross traffic alert system.

There’s a Touring Technology Package that many will probably opt for, which ratchets up the price another $1,410. For that, buyers get a sunroof, HD radio, SiriusXM and a cargo cover.

Going with the CX-3 Grand Touring, which is the top trim level, elevates the price to $24,990. That’s a pretty big jump from the base Sport, but it does come with some advantages. Among the highlights is a navigation system, Bose sound system, LED headlights and seats covered with leather/Lux Suede.

Finally, Mazda is also offering an i-ACTIVESENSE safety package for an additional $1,920. While the package does come with some features some buyers think they’ll literally die without, going for it means a person will be out the door for well over $28,000. That’s getting dangerously close to the pricing territory of the Mercedes GLA. It’s like Mazda’s been taking notes from Porsche on how to jack up the cost of a vehicle, but thankfully hasn’t got the skill down quite yet.