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Mazda CX-3 vs Subaru XV

What's the difference?

VS
Mazda CX-3
Mazda CX-3

$26,950 - $38,770

2024 price

Subaru XV
Subaru XV

$26,990 - $39,990

2021 price

Summary

2024 Mazda CX-3
2021 Subaru XV
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.0L

Flat 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
-

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

7.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Frustrating media interface
  • Raspy engine noise
  • Dated interior

  • Thrashy 2.0L engine
  • Hybrid not super efficient
  • Small boot
2024 Mazda CX-3 Summary

Hard to believe Mazda’s diminutive CX-3 has been with us for close to a decade (it arrived in early 2015). But with successive upgrades, including a major model refresh in 2019, it remains a popular choice with ‘light’ SUV buyers, dominating the segment so far in 2023.

So, how does this evergreen campaigner manage to keep quality competitors like the Kia Stonic, Toyota Yaris Cross and VW T-Cross firmly in its rearview mirror?

We spent a week with the recently updated (yes, again) mid-spec G20 Evolve to see how it shapes up in the urban environment of 2023.

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2021 Subaru XV Summary

Subaru has always been a good fit for Australia.

Since the '90s, when the brand made a big splash with its rally derived Impreza and Liberty, Subaru’s rugged appeal has suited Australia’s tough conditions and recreationally adventurous buyers.

Cars like the Forester and Outback solidified the brand’s place amongst SUVs before SUVs were really a thing, and the XV is the logical progression of the Impreza range, slotting nicely into the brand's offerings of lifted all-wheel-drive wagons.

It’s been a few years since the XV launched, however, so can its latest 2021 update keep it in the fight in a quickly evolving and notoriously competitive segment against many newer rivals? We’ve taken a look at the whole range to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Mazda CX-3 2021 Subaru XV

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