Mazda is an increasingly popular choice of Cartelligent clients, especially their line of crossover SUVs. We’ve compiled the details of the CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9, so that you can weigh the benefits of each and decide which option is right for you.

  CX-3 vs. CX-5 vs. CX-9?

In this article, we’ve configured a sample vehicle for each car and then examined some of the key differentiating factors of each. We’ve based our sample models on popular choices among Cartelligent clients.

  • 2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring AWD: Our sample CX-3 is the Touring All Wheel Drive. Features include heated seats, touchscreen display, blind spot monitoring, and an integrated backup camera. MSRP as configured is $24,310.
  • 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD: We’ve chosen a 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Touring with all-wheel drive. Features include a sliding-glass moonroof, touchscreen display, blind spot monitoring, navigation, Bose audio, and an integrated backup camera. MSRP as configured is $30,375.
  • 2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD: We’ve equipped a sample 2016 Mazda CX-9 Touring with all-wheel drive, moonroof, heated leather seats, touchscreen display, blind spot monitoring, and a backup camera. MSRP as configured is $38,870.
Vehicle Comparison

We’ll look at the features of each vehicle side-by-side.

CX-3 CX-5 CX-9
Model Type 2016 CX-3 Touring AWD 2016.5 CX-5 Touring AWD 2016 CX-9 Touring AWD
MSRP $24,310 $30,375 $38,870
Engine and Fuel Economy
CX-3 CX-5 CX-9
Engine 2.0L Skyactiv 4-cylinder 2.5L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder 2.5L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder Turbo
Horsepower 146 184 250
City mpg 27 24 21
Highway mpg 32 30 27

The CX-3 unsurprisingly offers the highest fuel economy, while the CX-9’s turbo engine provides much more power.

Capacities
CX-3 CX-5 CX-9
Seating 5 5 7
Cargo volume (behind seats) 12.4 ft3 34.1 ft3 14.4 ft3
Cargo volume (rear seats folded) 44.5 ft3 65.4 ft3 71.2 ft3

The CX-3 provides about 68% of the CX-5’s cargo volume when all rows of seats are folded down. The CX-9 offers seating for seven and 9% more cargo space than the CX-5 with all seats folded.

Safety
CX-3 CX-5 CX-9
IIHS rating Top Safety Pick+ Top Safety Pick+ n/a
Rearview camera Standard Standard Standard
Crash prevention Available Available Available

Both the CX-3 and CX-5 are IIHS Top Safety Picks+ when configured with optional front crash prevention. The CX-9 hasn’t been reviewed as of the time of writing.

Cost to purchase: CX-3 vs. CX-5 vs. CX-9

First, we’ll examine the cost of each when purchased. All payments represent pricing based on market conditions at the time of writing.

CX-3 CX-5 CX-9
MSRP $24,310 $30,375 $38,870
Down payment $2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Monthly payment (inc. tax) $400 $520 $690
Total of payments over five years $26,100 $33,180 $43,210

The CX-3 is around $120/month less than the CX-5 and saves about $7,000 in payments over the course of five years. The CX-9 is about $170 more per month than the CX-5 and costs about $10,000 more over the course of the loan.

Cost to lease: CX-3 vs. CX-5 vs. CX-9

Next we’ll compare the three vehicles on a three year, 12,000 mile/year lease.

CX-3 CX-5 CX-9
MSRP $24,310 $30,375 $38,870
Down payment $2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Monthly payment (inc. tax) $265 $350 $485
Lease disposition fee $350 $350 $350
Total of payments over three years $12,125 $15,100 $19,825

The CX-3 is again the lowest cost option, saving about $85/month and $3,000 over the course of the lease. The CX-9 is about $5,000 higher than the CX-5 and leases for $135 more per month.

Which to buy: CX-3, CX-5 or CX-9?

All three vehicles can be fantastic options depending on your personal circumstances. Your Cartelligent agent can talk you through the pros and cons of each vehicle (as well as any other brands) to help you make an educated decision.

Whether you want a new Mazda SUV or any other new car, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.