Jeep Cherokee vs. Mazda CX-3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Cherokee and Mazda CX-3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Jeep Cherokee and the Mazda CX-3.
In comparing the Jeep Cherokee's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Cherokee's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-3 is a better car than the Jeep Cherokee.
Pricing: A used 2021 Jeep Cherokee ranges from $16,624 to $27,000 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-3 is priced between $14,987 to $22,008.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Cherokee loses 50.3 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-3 loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-3 retains 12.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Jeep Cherokee.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Cherokee’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-3 base engine makes 148 horsepower. The Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles. The CX-3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles.This gives the Mazda CX-3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Jeep Cherokee the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Cherokee, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-3, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-3 has higher safety ratings than the Jeep Cherokee, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
27890
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
25515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23700 - 27890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
20790
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
22058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
18750 - 29100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
22350
Price Range:
16624 - 27000
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
22412
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
18721 - 26231
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18871
Price Range:
14987 - 22008
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
19173
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
16252 - 24096
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
29
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44411
# Good or Great Deals:
7
Jeep Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Mazda CX-3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Cherokee
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.087
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
5.1 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.900696617010009
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 16.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3644645872992993
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.1 - 9.8
Jeep Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
51 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Mazda CX-3 Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 21Ranking
19 out of / 21Ranking
20 out of / 21Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
61 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels
80th Anniversary Edition, Altitude, Freedom, High Altitude, Latitude, Latitude Lux, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk
Mazda CX-3 Trim Levels
Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 34 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
128 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.4 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
105.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3590 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2851 lbs
Width:
69.6 inches
Height:
60.7 inches
Length:
168.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Exterior Colors
Beige
Light Brownstone Pearl Coat
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Slate Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Sting-Gray Clear Coat
Green
Olive Green Pearl Coat
Orange
Spitfire Orange Clear Coat
Red
Velvet Red Pearl Coat
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Ceramic Metallic / Machine Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Beige
Black/Light Frost Beige
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black