Mazda CX-3 vs Hyundai Kona
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 Hyundai Kona opens at $32,500. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $4,700.
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 $35,750 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 80% for the Hyundai Kona.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Kona packs more ADAS features with 2 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 7 in the Hyundai Kona.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Hyundai Kona responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Kona is 1.0s 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, 75mm shorter than the Hyundai Kona at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 361L in the Hyundai Kona, giving the Hyundai Kona a 11L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3 and $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,881 (Hyundai Kona). The Mazda CX-3 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 (Hyundai Kona). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Kona takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda CX-3 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 Hyundai Kona?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona by $4,700.
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 and Hyundai Kona all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
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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