Suzuki Vitara vs Mazda CX-3

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the $10,690 price gap. That is a massive difference for two cars competing in the same small SUV segment. The CX-3 G20 Pure starts at $27,800 before on-road costs, making it one of the most affordable small SUVs you can buy in Australia right now. The Vitara GLX Turbo asks $38,490, which puts it in a much higher bracket for what is still fundamentally a small car.

Running costs do narrow that gap slightly. The Vitara sips 5.8L/100km versus 6.3L for the CX-3. Assuming 15,000km a year and $2.00/L for 91 octane, you're looking at roughly $1,740 a year for the Vitara and $1,890 for the CX-3. That is a saving of about $150 per year, or $750 over five years. It does not come close to bridging a $10k gap.

Insurance tends to be slightly cheaper on the CX-3 thanks to its lower purchase price. Servicing costs are comparable, though Mazda's capped-price servicing program gives you better cost certainty. The Vitara's three-year warranty means you may face out-of-pocket repair costs in years four and five where the CX-3 is still fully covered. Factor that in and the real-world ownership cost difference is even wider than the sticker price suggests.

For buyers stretching their budget, the CX-3 also means lower finance repayments and stamp duty. Driveaway, you are probably looking at roughly $31,000 for the CX-3 versus around $42,000 for the Vitara depending on your state. That difference pays for a lot of weekends away.

Both the Vitara and CX-3 carry five-star ANCAP safety ratings, so you are well covered in either car. The standard kit across both includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These are the essentials that really matter in everyday driving.

The CX-3 gets Mazda's i-Activsense suite, which includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Mazda tends to be generous with safety kit even on entry-level variants, and the G20 Pure is no exception. You also get a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The Vitara GLX Turbo, being the top-spec variant, comes well loaded too. You get a 360-degree camera system, which is genuinely useful for tight car parks, plus all the expected active safety gear. The Vitara also benefits from a relatively light kerb weight of 1,125kg, which generally helps with stopping distances.

If safety is your primary concern, both cars do the job properly. Neither has a meaningful edge here. Check out our ANCAP safety ratings guide if you want to dig deeper into what those five stars actually mean in crash testing.

As the top-spec model, the Vitara GLX Turbo punches above its weight on features. You get a panoramic sunroof, leather-accented seats, heated front seats, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and that 360-degree camera. It feels properly kitted out for a car at this price.

The CX-3 G20 Pure is the entry point of the range, so expectations need to be managed. You still get a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), air conditioning, and a reversing camera. It is not bare-bones, but it is clearly a step down from the Vitara's equipment list. That said, remember the CX-3 is almost $11k cheaper. You could buy the CX-3 and spend thousands on aftermarket upgrades and still come out ahead.

Interior quality is where Mazda traditionally shines, and even the G20 Pure has that premium Mazda feel. The materials, the switchgear, the way everything fits together. It punches well above its price point. The Vitara's cabin is functional and well laid out, but it does not quite have that same tactile quality.

Both cars get a decent infotainment setup for their respective price points. If wireless connectivity and a sunroof matter to you, the Vitara delivers. If you would rather pocket the savings and live with wired CarPlay, the CX-3 is perfectly liveable day to day.

Here is where it gets interesting. The Vitara runs a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 95kW and 220Nm. The CX-3 uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 110kW and 195Nm. On paper, the CX-3 has more outright power, but the Vitara has more torque, and that torque arrives much lower in the rev range thanks to the turbo.

In the real world, the Vitara feels punchier around town. You get that turbo shove from low revs that makes merging and overtaking feel effortless. The CX-3 needs to be revved a bit harder to access its power, which is typical of naturally aspirated engines. Neither car is what you would call fast, but the Vitara's turbo character makes it feel more eager in everyday situations.

Both use six-speed automatic transmissions and front-wheel drive. The Vitara weighs significantly less at 1,125kg versus 1,294kg for the CX-3. That 169kg difference is meaningful. It helps the Vitara feel lighter on its feet despite the lower power figure, and it contributes to the better fuel economy number.

The fuel economy advantage is real. At 5.8L/100km, the Vitara is genuinely frugal for a small SUV. The CX-3 at 6.3L is perfectly acceptable but cannot match it. If you do a lot of highway driving, the Vitara's turbo engine is particularly efficient at cruising speeds. For more on fuel efficiency in this segment, check our most fuel-efficient SUVs guide.

Boot space goes to the Vitara at 375 litres versus 350 for the CX-3. The difference is not huge, but if you are regularly packing for a weekend away or fitting a pram, every litre counts. Both boots are reasonably shaped and usable, with flat load floors and easy access.

Rear seat space is adequate in both but not generous. These are small SUVs, after all. Taller passengers will feel the squeeze in either car on longer trips. The Vitara has a slight edge in headroom thanks to its slightly taller roofline, while the CX-3 has marginally more rear legroom. Neither is a standout for rear-seat comfort.

Up front, both cars are comfortable for daily driving. The Vitara's driving position is slightly higher, giving you that SUV vantage point that many buyers want. The CX-3 sits a touch lower and feels more car-like to drive, which some people actually prefer.

Towing is a meaningful differentiator. The Vitara can pull 1,200kg braked, which covers small camper trailers, jet skis, and box trailers loaded up for a tip run. The CX-3 tops out at 1,000kg, which is still useful but limits your options. If towing matters even occasionally, have a read of our towing capacity guide to understand what those numbers mean in practice.

The warranty difference is significant and should not be overlooked. The CX-3 gets Mazda's five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. The Vitara gets three years and 100,000 kilometres. That is a two-year gap in coverage, and it matters. Modern cars are reliable, but when something does go wrong, repair bills can be steep. The CX-3 gives you peace of mind for longer.

Resale value is another factor worth considering. Mazda consistently holds its value well in the Australian market. The CX-3 benefits from strong brand recognition and a loyal buyer base. Suzuki has improved its resale numbers in recent years, but the Vitara still depreciates faster in percentage terms. After five years, you are likely to recover a higher proportion of your purchase price with the CX-3.

Servicing costs are comparable. Both brands offer capped-price servicing, so you know what you are up for at each interval. Suzuki services tend to be slightly cheaper per visit, but the difference is marginal.

Parts availability is worth a mention too. Mazda is one of the top-selling brands in Australia, which means parts are everywhere and independent mechanics know these cars inside out. Suzuki is smaller in market share, so parts can occasionally take a bit longer to source, though it is rarely a genuine problem in metro areas. If you are in regional Australia, Mazda's broader dealer network could be an advantage.