Mazda CX-3 vs KGM Torres
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 KGM Torres opens at $34,990. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $7,190.
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 $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $2,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and KGM Torres hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The KGM Torres packs more ADAS features with 2 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 KGM Torres.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the KGM Torres gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Torres counters with ambient lighting that the Mazda CX-3 does not offer. 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 KGM Torres responds with a Turbo GDi making 120kW and 280Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.8 seconds.
The KGM Torres has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-3 is 0.9s 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, 425mm shorter than the KGM Torres at 4,700mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Torres generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 455L in the KGM Torres, giving the KGM Torres a 105L advantage.
For towing, the KGM Torres leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg 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 11.2m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,252/year for the KGM Torres. That is a $542 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $2,252 (KGM Torres). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $542 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 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Torres). The KGM Torres has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the KGM Torres if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The KGM Torres takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $542 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the KGM Torres has a clear edge. The KGM Torres adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 KGM Torres?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the KGM Torres by $7,190.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-3 and KGM Torres all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The KGM Torres has the largest boot at 455L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Torres has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The KGM Torres has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The KGM Torres makes the most power at 120kW. The Mazda CX-3 is quickest to 100km/h in 10.9s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
