Mazda CX-3 vs Jeep Wrangler
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-3

$30,670 - $39,190

2026 price

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Jeep Wrangler

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2024 price

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Summary

2026 Mazda CX-3

2024 Jeep Wrangler

By Chris Thompson

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

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Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Build quality
Strong driving dynamics
Design aging well

Super off-road capable
Tough, fun and nostalgic styling
New engine is a winner

Dislikes

Lack of efficiency
Interior tech outdated
Could be cheaper?

Expensive
Not-so-great on-road dynamics and steering
Lower level of crash safety compared to rivals

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 Jeep Wrangler Summary

The first two things any new starter who arrives in the design department of Jeep’s headquarters in Ohio is told are, 1) The bathrooms are here and, 2) Don’t change the Wrangler.

Okay, I made that up, but it’s probably not far from the truth, because the Wrangler isn’t just iconic for Jeep, but iconic for the entire car world in a similar way to the Porsche 911 and the Ford Mustang.

The Jeep Wrangler is the equivalent of a Hollywood superstar - the Clint Eastwood of the car world - with its design that stretches all the way back to the iconic little off-roader purpose-built for the US Army in World War II.

So, how do you make changes without changing the recipe? Well, the Wrangler has been updated and we went to the Aussie launch to see what’s changed.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-3 2024 Jeep Wrangler

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 changes to this updated Jeep Wrangler are small but meaningful. The inclusion of airbags, the updated media screen, and a feisty engine which suits the plucky nature of this off-roader make it a better Wrangler than ever.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mazda CX-3 vs Jeep Wrangler What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-3 vs Jeep Wrangler
What's the difference?