Mazda CX-3 vs Bentley Bentayga
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-3

$30,670 - $39,190

2026 price

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Bentley Bentayga

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2024 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mazda CX-3

2024 Bentley Bentayga

By Chris Thompson

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

12.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Build quality
Strong driving dynamics
Design aging well

Practical and spacious
Remarkable dynamics for its size and weight
Twin-turbo V8 is no W12 but still awesome

Dislikes

Lack of efficiency
Interior tech outdated
Could be cheaper?

Not great value for money, but that's not the point
Awkward looking to my eyes
Interior could be more special

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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2024 Bentley Bentayga Summary

Yes, you can drive your Bentley and keep your family. It's called compromise, or the Bentayga, Bentley's SUV.

The Bentayga my family has been living with is the Azure grade which promises to be even more comfortable and pleasant than the rest of the range.

Comfort is important and we'll cover the Bentayga's lavish details in time, but our mission first and foremost is to find out if the Bentayga makes a good family SUV.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-3 2024 Bentley Bentayga

Verdict

‘You get what you pay for’ comes to mind with the CX-3, which is interesting given it’s neither the newest nor most feature-packed SUV in its class.

The ageing light SUV does however offer one of the best-put-together experiences in a car of this size and its engine is powerful for the class. Build quality feels well above par and there aren’t any annoying inclusions that are becoming more common in new cars.

There aren’t many downsides unless you were hoping for a big screen and the ability to play around with software functions, but at this end of the new car spectrum, a car that drives this well and remains stylish a decade on should be applauded.

Put aside its relative (but forgivable) lack of efficiency and somewhat smaller boot than rivals, and the CX-3 nails everything it needs to.

Verdict

The Bentley Bentayga Azure may look a bit awkward and it surely isn't great value for money, but it is a true Bentley and a very good family SUV that not only provides terrific practicality but superb performance and comfort.

Mazda CX-3 vs Bentley Bentayga What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-3 vs Bentley Bentayga
What's the difference?