Jaecoo J5 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.
Price Breakdown
The Jaecoo J5 starts from $25,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. That makes the Jaecoo J5 the more affordable entry point by $1,810.
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 $28,589 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $2,140 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 Jaecoo J5 features a 13.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.9-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jaecoo J5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda CX-3. The Mazda CX-3 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jaecoo J5 uses a 1.5L Turbo Petrol producing 108kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a cvt 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 Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 108kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jaecoo J5 measures 4,380mm long on a 2,620mm wheelbase, 105mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jaecoo J5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 384L in the Jaecoo J5 and 350L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Jaecoo J5 a 34L advantage.
For towing, the Jaecoo J5 leads with a 1,250kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Jaecoo J5 and $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Jaecoo J5) vs $1,710 (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 8 years (Jaecoo J5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). The Jaecoo J5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 8yr (Jaecoo J5)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jaecoo J5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Jaecoo J5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Jaecoo J5 has a clear edge. The Jaecoo J5 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Jaecoo J5 and Mazda CX-3?
The Jaecoo J5 is the cheapest at $25,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-3 by $1,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Jaecoo J5 has the largest boot at 384L.
Which can tow the most?
The Jaecoo J5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,250kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Jaecoo J5 has the longest warranty at 8 years.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW.
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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