How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-3 cost?

Prices are up 1.05% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 305 listings available, which gives you a workable amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $14,321.51, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Mazda CX-3 earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Performance and Safety.

Drivers consistently praise its great handling, smooth ride, and attractive design, and many owners also like its compact size and AWD capability. The overview points to a small crossover that prioritizes driving feel, adds standard safety equipment, and feels more polished than a basic entry-level crossover.

With 30.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback also points to a vehicle that feels dependable and trouble-free in everyday use, with owners appreciating how well it fits long-term ownership when you want a small crossover that feels more upscale than its price suggests. The expert review reinforces that sense of durability by emphasizing the CX-3’s improved handling, added insulation, and more comfortable cabin.

Mazda also made the first scheduled maintenance visit easier on your wallet by including it at no charge. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is condition-related wear, so a careful inspection matters more than chasing mileage alone.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Mazda CX-3?

At 63.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually strong. Focus on signs of prior bodywork, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and any evidence that the car has been repaired after a collision. Because this model is compact, you should also make sure the cabin and cargo area still meet your needs in real-world use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, push-button start, cruise control, Bluetooth, air conditioning, and a 6-speaker stereo, but it misses the added comfort and safety upgrades found higher up. The Touring trim adds larger wheels, auto headlights and wipers, heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto climate controls, heated mirrors, proximity entry, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
• Powertrain: Every CX-3 uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Output is 146 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, and the model is quick for the class while still coming close to its advertised 31 mpg combined rating.
• Safety package: Low-speed emergency braking is standard, and the Touring trim adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts. The Grand Touring can be equipped with a Premium Package that adds upgraded forward-collision warning and auto-braking, adaptive cruise, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition.
• Infotainment: The CX-3 uses a 7-inch touchscreen with Mazda Connect, but the rotary-controlled interface can take time to learn. Wireless smartphone integration is not included, and there is no over-the-air capability mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The CX-3 is rated at 31 mpg combined, 29 mpg city, and 34 mpg highway. In testing, it averaged 28 mpg over a week of mixed driving.

Which 2018 Mazda CX-3 trim should I buy?

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is offered in 3 trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The Sport is the value play, but it lacks the extra comfort and safety upgrades found higher up. If you want the lowest entry price, this is the trim to start with.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Touring is the best balance for most shoppers because it adds heated seats, auto climate controls, proximity entry, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts without jumping to the highest price tier.
• Premium/top trim: The Grand Touring brings the most upscale feel with full exterior LEDs, leather-trimmed seats with Alcantara inserts, a head-up display, paddle shifters, and navigation. The Premium Package adds even more advanced driver assistance, including adaptive cruise and lane-departure warning.

Mazda notes that the Touring trim gets some of the more advanced safety systems, while the Grand Touring with the Premium Package is the best choice if you want the fullest safety and tech mix.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Mazda CX-3?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 305 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.05% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 63.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,321.51, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Mazda CX-3's resale value?

The current average of $15,395 sits slightly above last year's $15,236.

That modest increase suggests the CX-3 has held value reasonably well for a used small crossover. When prices rise year over year, sellers often benefit from steadier demand, especially if the vehicle has the right trim and condition. The fact that this model also draws strong owner satisfaction can help support buyer interest when you eventually resell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 safe?

It earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The CX-3 includes low-speed emergency braking as standard, and Mazda also made blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts available on the Touring trim. The Grand Touring’s Premium Package adds upgraded forward-collision warning and auto-braking, adaptive cruise, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition.

Mazda’s safety setup is a major strength here, but you should still pay attention to trim differences if you want the fullest driver-assistance coverage.

Should I buy a 2018 Mazda CX-3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 30.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.05% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Mazda added standard low-speed emergency braking and improved the cabin for a more polished feel.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $15,821, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $15,395 average.
• It adds more style and sophistication while keeping the same fun-to-drive personality.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2018 is the smarter starting point because it combines strong owner satisfaction, solid safety, and a more favorable price. If you’re willing to spend more for a fresher-feeling presentation, the 2019 is the better pick for shoppers who care most about style and refinement.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.