Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-3
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 Toyota RAV4 starts from $28,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. 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 $31,339 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $1,995 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 counters with Apple CarPlay that the Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol producing 107kW and 187Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Mazda CX-3 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 107kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,570mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 295mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 577L in the Toyota RAV4 and 264L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 313L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m 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 $2,195/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Toyota RAV4) vs $1,796 (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $690.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota RAV4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 577L.
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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