Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2021 Mazda CX-3

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

Safety

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The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help 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 X2 has standard Park Distance Control to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

Both the X2 and the CX-3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

The BMW X2 weighs 525 to 892 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.

Warranty

The X2 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 X2’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-3’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-3.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the X2 has a standard 150-amp alternator. The CX-3’s 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The CX-3 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated lower.

Engine

The X2’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 80 more horsepower (228 vs. 148) and 112 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 146) than the CX-3’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The X2 M35i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 153 more horsepower (301 vs. 148) and 185 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 146) than the CX-3’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X2 is faster than the Mazda CX-3:

	X2 28i	X2 M35i	CX-3
Zero to 60 MPH	6.3 sec	4.6 sec	8.6 sec
Quarter Mile	14.9 sec	13.3 sec	16.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92.9 MPH	105 MPH	83 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the X2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the X2’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. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The X2 has 4.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 AWD’s standard fuel tank (16.1 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The X2 has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (16.1 vs. 12.7 gallons).

Transmission and Drivetrain

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW X2, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-3.

The X2 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 X2 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.

The X2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CX-3 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X2’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-3:

	X2	X2 M35i	CX-3	CX-3 AWD
Front Rotors	13 inches	14.2 inches	11 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	13 inches	11.1 inches	11.1 inches

The X2’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-3 are solid, not vented.

The X2 stops much shorter than the CX-3:

	X2	CX-3
70 to 0 MPH	162 feet	181 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	111 feet	118 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	141 feet	148 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X2 has larger tires than the CX-3 (225/50R18 vs. 215/60R16).

The X2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-3’s standard 60 series tires. The X2 M35i’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the CX-3’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X2 has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the CX-3. The X2 M35i offers optional 20-inch wheels.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The CX-3 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the BMW X2 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 X2 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-3’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The X2 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the X2 flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The X2 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X2’s wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than on the CX-3 (105.1 inches vs. 101.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X2 is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the CX-3.

The X2 xDrive28i handles at .91 G’s, while the CX-3 AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the CX-3 AWD (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .66 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X2 has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-3 (7.2 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the X2 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the X2 xDrive28i is quieter than the CX-3 AWD:

	X2	CX-3
At idle	37 dB	39 dB
Full-Throttle	72 dB	78 dB
70 MPH Cruising	67 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The X2 has 6.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-3 (94.1 vs. 87.6).

The X2 has .8 inches more front headroom, 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear legroom and 3.5 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-3.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X2’s rear seats recline. The CX-3’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The X2 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-3 with its rear seat up (21.6 vs. 17.8 cubic feet). The X2 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-3 with its rear seat folded (50.1 vs. 42.7 cubic feet).

The X2’s cargo area is larger than the CX-3’s in almost every dimension:

	X2	CX-3
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	30.6”/63”	30.9”/58”
Max Width	48”	n/a
Min Width	39.6”	39.4”
Height	28”	26.6”

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X2. 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 X2 has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Servicing Ease

The X2 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.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 10% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 11th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the X2, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The CX-3 doesn’t offer a memory system.

The power windows standard on both the X2 and the CX-3 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the X2 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 X2’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 X2 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-3 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X2’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.

The X2’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 X2 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The CX-3’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The X2’s optional 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 X2 offers optional heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the CX-3.

On extremely cold winter days, the X2’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 X2’s standard 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 X2 and the CX-3 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the X2 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 BMW X2 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The CX-3 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The X2’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-3 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

The BMW X2 outsold the Mazda CX-3 by 32 units during the 2021 model year.