Mazda CX-5 vs Mazda 3

What's the difference?

VS
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

Mazda 3
Mazda 3

$19,950 - $42,998

2024 price

Summary

2026 Mazda CX-5
2024 Mazda 3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.5L

Inline 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.4L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • No hybrid option
  • Engine can feel sluggish
  • No rear charging ports

  • Small boot
  • Gloomy rear seat
  • No more manual
2026 Mazda CX-5 Summary

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.

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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-5 2024 Mazda 3

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