Mazda CX-3 vs Mazda 3

What's the difference?

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Mazda CX-3
Mazda CX-3

2026 price

Mazda 3
Mazda 3

$23,995 - $55,682

2024 price

Summary

2026 Mazda CX-3
2024 Mazda 3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type
-

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
6.3L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Lack of efficiency
  • Interior tech outdated
  • Could be cheaper?

  • Small boot
  • Gloomy rear seat
  • No more manual
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 Mazda 3 Summary

Half a decade on, the current-generation Mazda 3 has weathered a world of change.

Cheap cars have vanished. Electric vehicles are commonplace and the small car class it belongs to has been decimated by SUVs. Big names like the Ford Focus, Holden Astra and Mitsubishi Lancer are history.

But while it looks identical to the car unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show, today’s Mazda 3 has also evolved, albeit gently.

Let’s see how competitive the latest and improved (as well as more expensive) version is.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-3 2024 Mazda 3

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