Mazda CX-3 vs Mitsubishi ASX
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 Mitsubishi ASX opens at $37,740. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $9,940.
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 $41,514 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 Mitsubishi ASX gets a 10.4-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 Mitsubishi ASX responds with a Petrol making 113kW and 270Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.9 seconds.
The Mitsubishi ASX has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-3 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, 5mm longer than the Mitsubishi ASX at 4,270mm (2,634mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi ASX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 350L in the Mitsubishi ASX.
For towing, the Mitsubishi ASX leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3 and $1,824/year for the Mitsubishi ASX. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,824 (Mitsubishi ASX). 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 / 200,000km (Mitsubishi ASX). The Mitsubishi ASX has longer coverage.
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 Mitsubishi ASX if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi ASX 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. The Mitsubishi ASX 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 Mitsubishi ASX?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi ASX by $9,940.
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 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi ASX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi ASX has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi ASX makes the most power at 113kW. The Mazda CX-3 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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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