Kia Seltos 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.
Data checked: specs 19 Sep 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker 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.
$31,250RRP
- no option data for this car
$27,800RRP
- no option data for this car
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 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 $3,450.
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 $34,375 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.
Recalls on our record
Kia Seltos
- REC-006395 · published 30 Jul 2025The piston rings fitted to the engines of certain vehicles may not meet manufacturing specifications, and could cause engine failure and vehicle stalling.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005962 · published 20 May 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the side curtain airbag may inflate without warning.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005699 · published 15 Jun 2023Due to a software issue, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual seat belt warning as required by the Australian Design Rules (ADR) 04/06.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- 2 more on the model page.
Mazda CX-3
- REC-005733 · published 1 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear-view camera wiring harness may become damaged and could cause the rear-view image to become distorted or flicker.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000882 · published 15 May 2018If the engine is operated at high revs in an unloaded condition (either Park or Neutral) residual oil that may accumulate in the engine intake system may be drawn into the engine and result in an engine over run condition.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- 3 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 Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-3 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Seltos gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda CX-3 offers black cloth.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia Seltos is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 110mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 468L in the Kia Seltos and 264L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Kia Seltos a 204L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1428L vs 1174L.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 100kg 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 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Seltos: Top CarSorted Score, 72 vs 70, but the Mazda CX-3 is $3,450 cheaper
The Kia Seltos comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (72 vs 70), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Kia Seltos ahead by 10), performance (Kia Seltos ahead by 6), fuel economy (Mazda CX-3 ahead by 5). The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Seltos has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Seltos by $3,450.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Seltos has the largest boot at 468L with the seats up (1,428L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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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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