Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Honda HR-V starts from $30,300 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $33,330 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda HR-V stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 89kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda HR-V is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 70mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda HR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 304L in the Honda HR-V and 264L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Honda HR-V a 40L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,535kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 535kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,767/year for the Honda HR-V and $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Honda HR-V) vs $1,796 (Mazda CX-3). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda HR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda HR-V has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda HR-V by $2,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda HR-V all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda HR-V has the largest boot at 304L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,535kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Honda HR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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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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