CAR COMPARISONS: What’s the difference between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda 3?

The Mazda CX-3 and Mazda 3 are great value propositions, but when should you choose one over the other? Here’s what you need to know.

The Mazda CX-3 and Mazda 3 have proven to be popular models for the Japanese brand, offering style, practicality, and value.

The Mazda CX-3 sits in the light SUV class, competing against the likes of the Ford Puma and Kia Stonic, and is one of Mazda’s highest-selling models.

In July 2023, the brand sold 1563 units of the CX-3, not far behind its best-selling CX-5.

Meanwhile, the Mazda 3 rivals cars such as the Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato in the small passenger class. In July 2023, 833 Mazda 3s were sold, meaning it ranked third in the segment behind the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla.

While the Mazda 3 is available as both a hatch and sedan, all responses below refer to the hatch, as this body type is most comparable to the CX-3.

Is the Mazda CX-3 bigger than the Mazda 3?

Considered a light SUV, the CX-3 is taller than the Mazda 3. However, the Mazda 3 hatch is longer, wider, and sits on a larger wheelbase.

The Mazda CX-3 measures 4275mm long, 1780mm wide, and 1535mm high and has a wheelbase of 2570mm.

By comparison, the Mazda 3 is 4460mm long, 1795mm wide, 1435mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2725mm.

	Mazda CX-3	Mazda 3
Length	4275mm	4460mm
Width	1780mm	1795mm
Height	1535mm	1435mm
Wheelbase	2570mm	2725mm

Is the Mazda CX-3 cheaper than the Mazda 3?

It depends on which variant you are after, however, the CX-3 starts at a cheaper price point than the Mazda 3. The CX-3 range kicks off at $23,510 for the base model Neo Sport, while the range-topping Akari LE AWD costs $39,810.

Comparatively, the Mazda 3 five-door hatch starts at $30,320 for the G20 Pure, and the range stretches to the G25 Astina, which has a starting price of $42,320.

All prices exclude on road costs.

Is the Mazda CX-3 more powerful than the Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 is the more powerful of the two. While there are two engine options available in the Mazda 3 range, the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder ‘G25’ petrol engine provides greater power and torque (139kW/252Nm).

Mazda 3 buyers can also opt for a less-powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine offering 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque.

All models in the updated range of the CX-3 share a 2.0-litre ‘G20’ four-cylinder petrol engine with peak outputs of 110kW and 195Nm.

What has the bigger boot – Mazda CX-3 or Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 hatch has a slightly larger boot than the CX-3, with capacity of 295L.

Opting for the Mazda 3 sedan will get you extra boot space, with capacity of 444L.

However, the CX-3 isn’t far behind at 264L, which expands to 1174L with the rear seats folded.

What uses more petrol – Mazda CX-3 or Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 with 2.0-litre engine is the more efficient of the two cars, with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.9L/100km. This vehicle is equipped with 51 litres of fuel capacity and can take 91 unleaded.

The CX-3 has a combined consumption of 6.3L/100km, with a capacity of 48L, and also accepts 91 unleaded fuel. As expected, the least efficient engine is the Mazda 3’s 2.5-litre, with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.6L/100km.

Does the Mazda CX-3 have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The Mazda CX-3 is available in all-wheel drive. There are four all-wheel drive variants to choose from, including the 2.0-litre Maxx Sport, sTouring, Akari, and Akari LE.