Mazda CX-3 vs Honda HR-V
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 Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the Honda HR-V opens at $32,900. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $5,100.
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 $30,580 and $36,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 82% for the Honda HR-V.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda HR-V packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mazda CX-3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-3 and 6 in the Honda HR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Honda HR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda HR-V counters with ambient lighting that the Mazda CX-3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-3 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Honda HR-V responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 172Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 96kW. 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 Mazda CX-3 measures 4,275mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 70mm shorter than the Honda HR-V at 4,345mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda HR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 339L in the Honda HR-V, giving the Mazda CX-3 a 11L advantage.
For towing, the Honda HR-V leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg 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 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3 and $1,539/year for the Honda HR-V. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,539 (Honda HR-V). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda HR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda HR-V by $5,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-3 and 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 Mazda CX-3 has the largest boot at 350L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
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.
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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