Mazda CX-3 vs Volkswagen T-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 Volkswagen T-Cross 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 are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and Volkswagen T-Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 97% for the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen T-Cross packs more ADAS features with 3 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 6 in the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with wireless charging 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 Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto 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 Volkswagen T-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, 167mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 42L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen T-Cross leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg 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 $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Volkswagen T-Cross saves you roughly $142 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 (Volkswagen T-Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen T-Cross takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-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 Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $7,190.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-3 and Volkswagen T-Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 392L.
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 Volkswagen T-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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