BMW X3 vs Mazda CX-60
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 31 Aug 2026, price 8 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$86,100RRP
- no option data for this car
$45,640RRP
- cannot be matched: Wireless Phone Charging and Electric Driver Seat not offered
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW X3 & Mazda CX-60
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X3 starts from $86,100 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-60 opens at $45,640. That makes the Mazda CX-60 the more affordable entry point by $40,460.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $94,710 and $50,204 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X3 and Mazda CX-60 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the BMW X3 and 91% for the Mazda CX-60.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda CX-60, against 5 on the BMW X3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 and 7 in the Mazda CX-60.
Recalls on our record
BMW X3
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- 8 more on the model page.
Mazda CX-60
- REC-006174 · published 14 Nov 2024Due to a software issue, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) may impact the hybrid battery assist function.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006173 · published 14 Nov 2024Due to a software issue, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) may impact the hybrid battery assist function.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006172 · published 14 Nov 2024Due to software improper programming of the Dash Electronic Supply Unit (Dash-ESU), when the hybrid system is powered on multiple warning messages may display in the instrument cluster:Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-60 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X3 stands out with wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-60. The Mazda CX-60 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-60 offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 2-zone in the Mazda CX-60.
Drivetrain
The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Mazda CX-60 responds with a Petrol making 138kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The BMW X3 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 138kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda CX-60 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 15mm longer than the Mazda CX-60 at 4,740mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-60 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 570L in the Mazda CX-60.
For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the BMW X3 and $2,138/year for the Mazda CX-60.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-60). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-60 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda CX-60: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 73
The Mazda CX-60 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 73), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: value (Mazda CX-60 ahead by 13), technology (BMW X3 ahead by 13), practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 8). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X3 and Mazda CX-60?
The Mazda CX-60 is the cheapest at $45,640 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X3 by $40,460.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X3 uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BMW X3 and Mazda CX-60 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW X3 makes the most power at 140kW. The Mazda CX-60 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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