Mazda CX-3 vs MG ZS
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.
Mazda CX-3
From $27,800
SUV
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop
110kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
264L
MG ZS
From $22,990
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
81kW
6.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
443L
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the MG ZS opens at $22,990. That makes the MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $4,810.
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 $25,289 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.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the MG ZS gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-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 that you will not find on the MG ZS. The MG ZS counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. 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 MG ZS 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 MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 81kW. 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, 155mm shorter than the MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG ZS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 264L in the Mazda CX-3 and 443L in the MG ZS, giving the MG ZS a 179L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 700kg 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
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 $1,910/year for the MG ZS. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,796 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,910 (MG ZS). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $114 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 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS). The MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-3 and MG ZS trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG ZS has a clear edge. The MG ZS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 MG ZS?
The MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-3 by $4,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG ZS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG ZS has the largest boot at 443L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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