Hyundai Tucson 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.
Hyundai Tucson
From $29,290
SUV
Petrol
In-line 4 cyl. Nu 2.0L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection), 16-valve DOHC (HLA), 2-step variable induction system
122kW
7.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
488L
Mazda CX-3
From $27,800
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
264L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Tucson starts from $29,290 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 $1,490.
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 $32,219 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
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 Hyundai Tucson features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 3.5-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Tucson uses a In-line 4 cyl. Nu 2.0L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection), 16-valve DOHC (HLA), 2-step variable induction system producing 122kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
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 Hyundai Tucson has the clear power advantage at 122kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Tucson measures 4,480mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 205mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Hyundai Tucson and 264L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 224L advantage.
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 $2,223/year for the Hyundai Tucson and $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Hyundai Tucson) vs $1,796 (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $427 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Tucson 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, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Tucson by $1,490.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Tucson all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Tucson has the largest boot at 488L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Tucson has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Tucson makes the most power at 122kW.
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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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