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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the Nissan X-Trail opens at $28,490. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $690.
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 $31,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $3,135 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda CX-3 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Nissan X-Trail. 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 Nissan X-Trail responds with a Petrol making 102kW and 198Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 102kW. 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, 360mm shorter than the Nissan X-Trail at 4,635mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,535kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 35kg 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 $2,423/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,796 (Mazda CX-3) vs $2,423 (Nissan X-Trail). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $627 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 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan X-Trail). The Mazda CX-3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —6yr (Nissan X-Trail).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 takes 5 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. The Mazda CX-3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Nissan X-Trail?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan X-Trail by $690.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda CX-3 and Nissan X-Trail carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,535kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda CX-3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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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