Mazda CX-3 vs Skoda Kodiaq
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-3

$30,670 - $39,190

2026 price

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Skoda Kodiaq

$37,790 - $77,490

2025 price

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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

2025 Skoda Kodiaq

By Chris Thompson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

9.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Build quality
Strong driving dynamics
Design aging well

Generous feature list for a base model
Clever, family friendly touches
Comfortable ride with solid cabin space

Dislikes

Lack of efficiency
Interior tech outdated
Could be cheaper?

Engine can feel flat under pressure
Glitchy infotainment and climate controls
Reversing camera quality isn’t great

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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2025 Skoda Kodiaq Summary

In the eight years it’s been in our market, the Skoda Kodiaq large SUV has only seen modest updates, but the second-generation seven-seater marks a firm step forward.

You still get all of the clever practicality that Skoda is known for, but it now features a (slightly) sharper design, a raft of new features, improved technology and more room inside.

This week, my family of three has been living with the base 140TSI Select variant to find out whether this understated contender deserves more attention and if its rivals should start to worry.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-3 2025 Skoda Kodiaq

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 new Skoda Kodiaq Select 140TSI is a quiet achiever. It may not be as flashy as some of its rivals, and the engine won’t knock your socks off, but it delivers where it counts. This is a well-rounded seven-seater that’s comfortable, practical and cleverly equipped with more standard features than you’d typically expect from a base grade. If you’re after a family SUV that flies under the radar but ticks all the right boxes, the Kodiaq deserves a close look.

Mazda CX-3 vs Skoda Kodiaq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-3 vs Skoda Kodiaq
What's the difference?