Mazda CX-3 vs Toyota Corolla Cross
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 Toyota Corolla Cross opens at $33,490. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $5,690.
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 $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Cross by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Corolla Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 85% for the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Corolla Cross packs more ADAS features with 5 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 Toyota Corolla Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Corolla Cross gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-3 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota Corolla Cross. The Toyota Corolla Cross counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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 Toyota Corolla Cross responds with a Petrol making 90kW and 163Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 90kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Corolla Cross is 1.5s 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, 185mm shorter than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 4,460mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Corolla Cross generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 487L in the Toyota Corolla Cross, giving the Toyota Corolla Cross a 137L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota Corolla Cross 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.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,283/year for the Toyota Corolla Cross. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,283 (Toyota Corolla Cross). The Toyota Corolla Cross saves you roughly $427 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 (Toyota Corolla Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Corolla Cross takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Toyota Corolla Cross will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Corolla Cross 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 Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Corolla Cross by $5,690.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Cross uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Corolla Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Corolla Cross has the largest boot at 487L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Corolla Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Toyota Corolla Cross is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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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