Kia Stonic vs Mazda CX-3

What's the difference?

VS
Kia Stonic
Kia Stonic

$26,160 - $32,480

2025 price

Mazda CX-3
Mazda CX-3

2026 price

Summary

2025 Kia Stonic
2026 Mazda CX-3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
6.7L/100km (combined)

6.3L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Small touchscreen
  • No adaptive cruise control
  • Too sluggish from standstill

  • Lack of efficiency
  • Interior tech outdated
  • Could be cheaper?
2025 Kia Stonic Summary

Small SUVs have found plenty of favour in Australia and understandably so because they offer much in the way of urban-driving appeal.

And carmakers like Kia have near-perfected the art of fulfilling drivers' needs and wants and doing so with an end product that’s quite often also easy on the eyes.

But drivers – even drivers of small SUVs – like some poke in their engine. To that end, Kia has punched some turbocharged oomph into its Stonic line-up with the introduction of the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine previously offered only in the top-spec GT-Line.

Now there’s also more safety gear onboard than in previous versions, but – of course – prices have increased, as well.

Is the mid-spec Stonic Sport the best buy in the three-grade line-up?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs
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

2025 Kia Stonic 2026 Mazda CX-3

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