Mazda CX-3 vs Suzuki Vitara
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.
Data checked: specs 12 Sep 2026, price 23 Sep 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki Vitara opens at $36,350. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $8,550.
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 $39,985 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.
Recalls on our record
Mazda CX-3
- REC-005733 · published 1 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear-view camera wiring harness may become damaged and could cause the rear-view image to become distorted or flicker.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000882 · published 15 May 2018If the engine is operated at high revs in an unloaded condition (either Park or Neutral) residual oil that may accumulate in the engine intake system may be drawn into the engine and result in an engine over run condition.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- 3 more on the model page.
Suzuki Vitara
- REC-006212 · published 11 Dec 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the left rear brake pipe line may have been damaged during assembly.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005515 · published 5 Sep 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the valve between the engine and the vacuum assist brake booster may swell under certain conditions.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2022
- REC-005061 · published 17 Feb 2022Vehicles have been supplied with incorrect information in the owner’s manual in regards to the installation of ISOFIX child restraint system.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2022
- 1 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Suzuki Vitara gets a 9-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-3 stands out with head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Suzuki Vitara. The Suzuki Vitara counters with wireless charging. 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 Suzuki Vitara offers synthetic leather.
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 Suzuki Vitara responds with a Petrol making 80.9kW and 235Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 80.9kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Suzuki Vitara is 0.7s 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, 90mm longer than the Suzuki Vitara at 4,185mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 264L in the Mazda CX-3 and 362L in the Suzuki Vitara, giving the Suzuki Vitara a 98L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1174L vs 642L.
For towing, the Suzuki Vitara leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m 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 10.2m 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 $1,653/year for the Suzuki Vitara. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Vitara.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Vitara). The Mazda CX-3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Vitara if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda CX-3: Top CarSorted Score, 62 vs 61
The Mazda CX-3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (62 vs 61), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: reliability (Mazda CX-3 ahead by 12), technology (Suzuki Vitara ahead by 10), value (Mazda CX-3 ahead by 9). The Suzuki Vitara will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Suzuki Vitara has a clear edge. 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Suzuki Vitara by $8,550.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki Vitara uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Suzuki Vitara has the largest boot at 362L with the seats up (642L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
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. The Suzuki Vitara is quickest to 100km/h in 10.2s.
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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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