Holden Captiva vs Mazda CX-3

What's the difference?

VS
Holden Captiva
Holden Captiva

$4,490 - $19,990

2017 price

Mazda CX-3
Mazda CX-3

2026 price

Summary

2017 Holden Captiva
2026 Mazda CX-3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Diesel

-
Fuel Efficiency
8.2L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • It's old
  • It's a bit noisy
  • Lacks the finesse of the competition

  • Lack of efficiency
  • Interior tech outdated
  • Could be cheaper?
2017 Holden Captiva Summary

Holden wasn't the first manufacturer to find itself bereft of a big SUV when the fuse was lit by BMW and Mercedes as the last millennium came to a close. Ford responded with the Territory while Holden jacked-up a V8 Commodore and slapped the Adventra badge on it. Sadly, it didn't work, and so the Captiva was the next best option, procured from what was then called Daewoo.

As a result of that that little blip on the economic radar, the GFC, and an on-going re-organisation of General Motors, the Korean-built Captiva has lasted rather longer than anyone expected.

It first launched with two bodystyles, but is now down to one, the bigger and more practical seven seat body shell.







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2026 Mazda CX-3 Summary

Mazda has updated one of its most popular, but rather old models. 

Yes, the Mazda CX-3 is still around after more than a decade since its reveal, and it remains almost at the tippy-top of Mazda’s local sales charts.

With the brand having shifted 8221 CX-3s in the first half of 2025, it seems the light updates and modest price rise haven’t scared away any potential customers.

We’ve grabbed a CX-3 Evolve, the second-up of four available variants, to see if the popular light SUV still stacks up, or if you’re better off taking your money elsewhere.

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Deep dive comparison

2017 Holden Captiva 2026 Mazda CX-3

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