The Mazda CX 3 was introduced into Mazda’s lineup as a subcompact crossover SUV in 2016 and was discontinued after the 2021 model year. The CX 3 is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Mazda CX 3?
The Mazda CX 3 is not recommended for towing in the United States. However in other markets, the Mazda CX 3 has a braked towing capacity of up to 2,645 pounds and an unbraked towing capacity of 1,653 pounds.
There’s a bit more to know about Mazda CX 3 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2021 Mazda CX 3 Towing Capacity
The 2021 Mazda CX 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all configurations and trim levels.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2021 Mazda CX 3 can tow.
| Mazda CX 3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Mazda CX 3 being put to a real-world towing test:
Mazda CX 3 Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Mazda CX 3 Braked Tow Capacity: 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
Mazda CX 3 Unbraked Tow Capacity: 1,653 lbs / 750 kg
Mazda CX 3 Towing Capacity Factors
There’s only one factor that affects the Mazda CX 3 tow capacity, which is the weight of cargo and passengers you’ve got in the CX-3 when towing something.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Mazda CX 3, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Mazda CX 3 Tow Package Info
Does The Mazda CX 3 Have A Tow Package?
Mazda did not offer a factory-installed towing package for the CX-3, so you’ll need to have one installed.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Mazda CX 3?
If you plan on towing anything with your Mazda CX 3, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Mazda CX 3 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Mazda CX 3 uses a Class 1 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class I Mazda CX 3 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch package is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard, square 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch and comes with a ball mount with a 3/4-inch ball hole to connect a small trailer
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch kit fits select model years of the Mazda CX-3
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your CX 3:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Mazda CX 3 Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Mazda CX 3 trailer hitch installation:
Mazda CX 3 Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your CX 3, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Mazda CX 3?
The Mazda CX 3 stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
Does My Mazda CX 3 Have A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your CX 3 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your CX 3.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2020 Mazda CX 3 Towing Capacity
The 2020 Mazda CX 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all configurations and trim levels.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2020 Mazda CX 3 can tow.
| Mazda CX 3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg |
2019 Mazda CX 3 Towing Capacity
The 2019 Mazda CX 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all configurations and trim levels.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2019 Mazda CX 3 can tow.
| Mazda CX 3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg |
2018 Mazda CX 3 Tow Capacity
The 2018 Mazda CX 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all configurations and trim levels.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2018 Mazda CX 3 can tow.
| Mazda CX 3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg |
2017 Mazda CX 3 Tow Capacity
The 2017 Mazda CX 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all configurations and trim levels.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2017 Mazda CX 3 can tow.
| Mazda CX 3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg |
2016 Mazda CX 3 Tow Capacity
The 2016 Mazda CX 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all configurations and trim levels.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2016 Mazda CX 3 can tow.
| Mazda CX 3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Mazda CX 3 Owner’s Manuals on Mazda’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Mazda CX 3.
