Jeep Compass vs Mazda CX-3

What's the difference?

VS
Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass

$23,490 - $43,990

2022 price

Mazda CX-3
Mazda CX-3

2026 price

Summary

2022 Jeep Compass
2026 Mazda CX-3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Diesel

-
Fuel Efficiency
6.9L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Overall drive experience
  • Badly executed driver assist systems
  • Poor value for money

  • Lack of efficiency
  • Interior tech outdated
  • Could be cheaper?
2022 Jeep Compass Summary

The Jeep Compass is something of a unicorn among the long list of small SUVs sold in Australia. It is now the only model in either the light or small-SUV category that is available with a diesel engine.

That diesel is found under the bonnet of just one variant – the rugged Trailhawk which is also the flagship of the range.

Aside from Suzuki’s adorable Jimny light SUV, the Compass Trailhawk is the only small SUV with some off-road ability.

After going on sale in Australia in late 2017, the second-generation Compass was overhauled as part of a mid-life update in 2021. Aside from subtle styling tweaks, the biggest change was a new multimedia system.

Has Jeep done enough to lift the Compass from an also-ran to a model that buyers should consider, or was the update too little, too late?

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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

2022 Jeep Compass 2026 Mazda CX-3

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