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.
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 favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and MG ZS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 90% for the MG ZS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG ZS packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Mazda CX-3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-3 and 7 in the MG ZS.
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 MG ZS counters with power tailgate 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 MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG ZS 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, 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 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 359L in the MG ZS, giving the MG ZS a 9L advantage.
For towing, the MG ZS leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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 $1,910/year for the MG ZS. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,910 (MG ZS). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $200 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, 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, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG ZS takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. 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 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-3 and 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 359L.
Which can tow the most?
The MG ZS has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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. The MG ZS is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
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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