Mazda CX-3 vs Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris Cross opens at $31,790. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $3,990.
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 $34,969 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris Cross by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris Cross 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 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris Cross. The Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid making 85kW and 120Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Yaris Cross is 1.1s 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, 95mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Toyota Yaris Cross a 40L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m 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 9.8m 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 $1,340/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,340 (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $370 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 Yaris Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris Cross?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Yaris Cross by $3,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris 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 Yaris Cross has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Toyota Yaris Cross is quickest to 100km/h in 9.8s.
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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