Mazda CX-3 vs Nissan X-Trail
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 Nissan X-Trail opens at $37,750. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $9,950.
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 $41,525 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan X-Trail hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 91% for the Nissan X-Trail.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan X-Trail packs more ADAS features with 6 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 Nissan X-Trail.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan X-Trail gets a 8-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 Nissan X-Trail lines up making 135kW and 244Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Nissan X-Trail has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan X-Trail is 2.9s 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, 405mm shorter than the Nissan X-Trail at 4,680mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 205L in the Nissan X-Trail, giving the Mazda CX-3 a 145L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail 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 $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $399 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 (Nissan X-Trail). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-3 and Nissan X-Trail trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-3 has a clear edge. 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 Nissan X-Trail?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan X-Trail by $9,950.
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 Nissan X-Trail all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-3 has the largest boot at 350L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan X-Trail has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan X-Trail makes the most power at 135kW. The Nissan X-Trail is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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