Mazda CX-3 vs Kia Stonic
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 12 Sep 2026, price 23 Sep 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.
$27,800RRP
- no option data for this car
$26,990RRP
- 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 Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the Kia Stonic opens at $26,990. That makes the Kia Stonic the more affordable entry point by $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 $30,580 and $29,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Stonic by roughly $1,855 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.
Recalls on our record
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.
Kia Stonic
- REC-006665 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the daytime running lamps switch off when the vehicle enters fuel-saving (sailing) mode.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Stonic gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Stonic. The Kia Stonic counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-3 gets black cloth upholstery while the Kia Stonic offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-3 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop producing 110kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Kia Stonic responds with a Petrol making 88kW and 172Nm, paired to a 7-speed dct driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 88kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda CX-3 is 0.3s 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, 110mm longer than the Kia Stonic at 4,165mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Stonic generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 264L in the Mazda CX-3 and 352L in the Kia Stonic, giving the Kia Stonic a 88L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m 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 $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3 and $1,425/year for the Kia Stonic. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Kia Stonic.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Stonic). The Kia Stonic has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Stonic if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (70 vs 72). The Mazda CX-3 and Kia Stonic trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia Stonic will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Stonic has a clear edge. The Kia Stonic 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, Mazda CX-3 and Kia Stonic?
The Kia Stonic is the cheapest at $26,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-3 by $810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Stonic uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda CX-3 and Kia Stonic 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 Stonic has the largest boot at 352L with the seats up.
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 Stonic has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Mazda CX-3 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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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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