Compare the2022 Volvo XC40VS 2021 Mazda CX-3

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission and Drivetrain
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC40 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Mazda CX-3 doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

The XC40’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-3 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the XC40 and CX-3 have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The XC40 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The CX-3’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The Volvo XC40 has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-3 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The XC40 has standard Automatic Braking After Collision, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XC40 offers an optional CTA Auto Brake that use rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The CX-3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The XC40 offers an optional 360-Degree Surround View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The CX-3 only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The XC40’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the XC40 and the CX-3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Volvo XC40 weighs 714 to 1003 pounds more than the Mazda CX-3. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volvo XC40 is safer than the Mazda CX-3:

	XC40	CX-3
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Stress	209 lbs.	334 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	31%	39%
Neck Stress	156 lbs.	198 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volvo XC40 is safer than the Mazda CX-3:

	XC40	CX-3
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	78	183
Abdominal Force	156 G’s	199 G’s
Hip Force	320 lbs.	334 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	119	241
Spine Acceleration	48 G’s	85 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
HIC	237	287
Hip Force	411 lbs.	629 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XC40 its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 103 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CX-3 is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2019.

Warranty

The XC40 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-3’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The XC40’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-3’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC40 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-3.

Engine

The XC40 T4’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 39 more horsepower (187 vs. 148) and 75 lbs.-ft. more torque (221 vs. 146) than the CX-3’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The XC40 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 100 more horsepower (248 vs. 148) and 112 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 146) than the CX-3’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the XC40 T5 is faster than the Mazda CX-3:

	XC40	CX-3
Zero to 30 MPH	2 sec	2.8 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.2 sec	8.6 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	10.6 sec	15.1 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.3 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	16.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93 MPH	83 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the XC40’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip with its optional disable switch. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The XC40 has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 AWD’s standard fuel tank (14.2 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XC40 has 1.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (14.2 vs. 12.7 gallons).

The XC40 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission and Drivetrain

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Volvo XC40, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-3.

The XC40 AWD has a true all-wheel drive system, which uses a four wheel traction control system to redirect engine power to the axle and wheel that still has traction to keep the XC40 moving if even only one wheel still has traction. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a true all-wheel drive system; it could get stuck while one or more wheels still have traction.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC40’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-3:

	XC40 T4	XC40 T5	CX-3	CX-3 AWD
Front Rotors	12.7 inches	13.6 inches	11 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	11.9 inches	13.4 inches	11.1 inches	11.1 inches

The XC40 stops shorter than the CX-3:

	XC40	CX-3
70 to 0 MPH	173 feet	181 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	111 feet	118 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	135 feet	148 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC40 has larger standard tires than the CX-3 (235/55R18 vs. 215/60R16). The XC40’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-3 (245/45R20 vs. 215/60R16).

The XC40’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-3’s standard 60 series tires. The XC40’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the CX-3’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XC40 has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the CX-3. The XC40 offers optional 20-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Volvo XC40 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-3 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The XC40 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the XC40 flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XC40’s wheelbase is 5.2 inches longer than on the CX-3 (106.4 inches vs. 101.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XC40 is 3 inches wider in the front and 4.1 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-3.

The XC40 T5 R-Design AWD handles at .85 G’s, while the CX-3 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the XC40 has a 2.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-3 (8.3 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the XC40 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the XC40 T5 R-Design AWD is quieter than the CX-3 AWD (74 vs. 78 dB).

Passenger Space

The XC40 has 10.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-3 (98 vs. 87.6).

The XC40 has .6 inches more front headroom, 2.4 inches more front hip room, 3.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more rear headroom, 1.1 inches more rear legroom, 5.6 inches more rear hip room and 5.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-3.

Cargo Capacity

The XC40 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-3 with its rear seat up (20.4 vs. 17.8 cubic feet). The XC40 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-3 with its rear seat folded (46.9 vs. 42.7 cubic feet).

The XC40’s cargo area is larger than the CX-3’s in every dimension:

	XC40	CX-3
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	34.9”/65.7”	30.9”/58”
Max Width	41.7”	n/a
Min Width	39.5”	39.4”
Height	29.4”	26.6”

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers the XC40’s optional rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CX-3 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XC40. The CX-3 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the XC40 has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The XC40 has a 3500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-3 has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The XC40 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-3 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The XC40 has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The CX-3 doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

Ergonomics

The XC40 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When three different drivers share the XC40, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a memory system.

The power windows standard on both the XC40 and the CX-3 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the XC40 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-3 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The XC40’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The CX-3’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the XC40 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the CX-3 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The XC40’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-3’s power window (except driver window) and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC40 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-3 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The XC40’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the CX-3’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC40 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CX-3 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The XC40’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The CX-3 doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

When the XC40 is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The CX-3’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XC40’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CX-3 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The XC40 offers optional heated front and rear seats, which keep the driver and passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the CX-3.

On extremely cold winter days, the XC40’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The XC40’s optional dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The CX-3 doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the XC40 and the CX-3 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the XC40 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-3 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo XC40 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The CX-3 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The XC40 R-Design/Inscription’s optional Park Assist Pilot can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Volvo XC40 and the Mazda CX-3, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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