Mazda Teases a Bigger New CX-3, but US Return Is Unclear

Mazda has teased a fresh take on its smallest crossover. The next-generation CX-3 appeared as a silhouette in the automaker's latest earnings presentation, and the shape suggests a taller greenhouse and more cargo space than the cramped version that left the US in 2021.

The model, labeled "next-generation CX-3" in the slides, resembles the newest CX-5 in profile. Mazda didn't share many specifics, but said the SUV will be assembled in Thailand and phased into ASEAN, Japan, and other markets from 2027.

What about America? The company didn't say. The last CX-3 was sold in the US through 2021, and whether the new one returns remains an open question. Mazda's presentation highlighted other priorities: the CX-5, now on sale in Europe, North America, and Japan, is beating sales expectations, and the CX-50 hybrid and Mazda3 are credited with pushing US sales up 7% to 107,000 vehicles.

The larger CX-90, meanwhile, is selling more slowly than expected.

Mazda also has electric models, the Mazda6e and upcoming CX-6e, developed with Changan, sold in Europe and China, but not in the US.

Tariffs could complicate a cheaper CX-3. Mazda already limits CX-30 availability in the US because of import taxes, so an even more affordable model might face similar hurdles.