Mazda Is Reviving an Awesomely Affordable and Tiny Ute That’s Been Sorely Missed

As new cars keep getting more expensive, Mazda could answer the call once again with its affordable awesomeness.

Rear view of a red Mazda CX-3 with illuminated taillight and rear windshield wiper.

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Published May 18, 2026

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If you’ve been car shopping for a small, affordable crossover lately and been feeling priced out, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Mazda might be answering the call and demand for cheaper options.

The automaker’s Thailand division recently confirmed the return of its subcompact CX-3 crossover SUV for a second generation. More importantly, this means that the CX-3 could make a return to the States, as buyers are increasingly looking for an answer to skyrocketing expenses.

It could be time for Mazda’s cute ute to shine again

Two Mazda CX-3 SUVs, one red and one gray, parked under a modern, angular concrete ceiling. — Mazda produced the CX-3 from 2015 up through 2022 for North America, but continues making them for Asian export and domestic markets.

Originally introduced in 2014, the CX-3 served as the automaker’s entry-level high rider below the CX-5. It endured a series production run for about six years, officially commencing sales in the US as a 2016 model-year car.

But in 2022, Mazda discontinued the CX-3 stateside to replace it with the newer, slightly more upscale CX-30. Despite its end in America, Mazda continues selling the CX-3 in Asian markets, where it continues to be a very popular automobile.

Red Mazda CX-3 compact SUV parked on a cobblestone street near a building with trees and two people walking nearby. — Mazda replaced the CX-3 with the more upscale and slightly bigger CX-30 in 2023.

Because of the CX-3’s success, Mazda is renewing the model for a second generation, a whole 12 years after its initial debut. Needless to say, it’s long overdue for a replacement, despite how well it’s aged.

But a new, second-gen CX-3 could also spell good news for Americans and others globally as new cars continue to rise uncontrollably in cost. That’s even with the CX-30 currently available in local dealerships.

Expect its official bow sometime in 2027

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According to Mazda Thailand’s announcement, the next-gen CX-3 is projected to arrive in 2027. The brand hopes the new model will aid in sales as the current CX-3 is starting to show its age, despite its enduring following.

There’s no official word about its return to the States. Nevertheless, given how new car prices keep climbing with no signs of letting up, buyers are demanding simpler, smaller and more affordable automobiles.

Red Mazda CX-30 SUV parked on a street with dark wood building and green tree in the background. — The CX-3 might be relegated to the Asian markets, but its affordable crossover SUV pitch could return to the US, given skyrocketing new car costs.

The CX-3 could potentially answer the call, especially as crossovers remain unforgivingly popular. And while the CX-30 does exist, Mazda introduced the model as a slightly bigger and more upscale option.

When the CX-3 was last available in America, its starting price hovered just north of the $22,000 mark. In comparison, a CX-30 today starts at $26,375. It’s a sizable difference, especially at a time when our wallets could use a breather.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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