Porsche Macan vs Mazda CX-3
What's the difference?

Porsche Macan

$97,888 - $166,950

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-3

$30,670 - $39,190

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2024 Porsche Macan

2026 Mazda CX-3

By Andrew Chesterton

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Inline 4, 2.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

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Electric range

654 km

6.3L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

100.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Awesome ride and handing
Big battery means big range
Turbo acceleration is ridiculous

Build quality
Strong driving dynamics
Design aging well

Dislikes

Big price jump from ICE
Lacks fizz and emotion
Ergonomic quirks in the cabin

Lack of efficiency
Interior tech outdated
Could be cheaper?

2024 Porsche Macan Summary

This might be the biggest gamble in Porsche's history. It's the latest version of its best-selling car, the Porsche Macan, only this one has a very big difference.

You see, this time, it’s all-electric. There is not an internal-combustion engine (ICE) in sight. And that makes climbing into an entry-level Macan significantly more expensive than ever before.

So, will this bold shift help or hinder the Macan in Australia? And is this the country’s best all-electric SUV?

There’s only one way find out.

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 Porsche Macan 2026 Mazda CX-3

Verdict

There is no doubting the substance of the Porsche Macan Electric. Its ride, steering and poise make it a joy to drive on twisting roads, and it ticks the practicality boxes, too.

The only lingering question is whether enough people are ready to make the all-electric switch. Only then will we know if Porsche's Macan gamble has paid off.

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

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.

Porsche Macan vs Mazda CX-3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Porsche Macan vs Mazda CX-3
What's the difference?