Mazda CX-3 vs Toyota RAV4
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 6 Sep 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $18,190.
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 $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota RAV4 by roughly $2,565 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.
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.
Toyota RAV4
- REC-006390 · published 22 Jul 2025Due to a software programming issue, a memory device in the Combination Meter may deteriorate over time.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-001312 · published 9 Jun 2020Small cracks may form in the front lower suspension arms and with rapid acceleration and deceleration over the parts' lifetime, these cracks could spread and the suspension arm can eventually separate from the front wheel assembly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2020
- REC-001306 · published 31 Jul 2019Some brake booster pumps may be manufactured improperly, and may cause the brake assist function to stop operating while driving.Year range on the notice: 2019
- 2 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 Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display and 12.3-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 Toyota RAV4. 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 Toyota RAV4 offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda CX-3 and 2-zone in the Toyota RAV4.
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 Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol Hybrid making 143kW, paired to a cvt (e-cvt) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Toyota RAV4 is 2.5s 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, 325mm shorter than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 264L in the Mazda CX-3 and 705L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 441L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 400kg 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 11.4m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $1,283/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Toyota RAV4: Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 62, but the Mazda CX-3 is $18,190 cheaper
The Toyota RAV4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 62), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Toyota RAV4 ahead by 16), technology (Toyota RAV4 ahead by 14), practicality (Toyota RAV4 ahead by 12). The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. 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 Toyota RAV4?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $18,190.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda CX-3 and Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 705L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Toyota RAV4 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.4s.
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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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