2023 Mazda CX-3 vs CX-30: what are the differences?

The CX-3 and CX-30 are both small SUVs from Mazda. Prior to the CX-30’s 2019 launch, it was assumed to take the CX-3’s place, but strong sales justified its smaller sibling hanging around.

JUMP AHEAD

• Body styles
• What do you get?
• Comfort and Practicality
• Boot space
• Safety
• How do they drive?
• Warranty and Servicing
• Verdict - Mazda CX-3
• Verdict - Mazda CX-30
• Specifications

Body styles

CX-3

The five-door, five-seat CX-3 is now categorised as a light SUV in sales figures.

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CX-30

The CX-30 is Mazda’s new definition of a small SUV, with five doors and seats.

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CX-3 and CX-30 dimensions

Here's a size comparison between each car

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What do you get?

CX-3

The CX-3 range was rationalised in June 2023 and starts at $26,800 before on-road costs – $3300 more than before. It reflects buyers’ love for the peppy 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic combination.

No longer available with all-wheel drive, CX-3s now all use torsion beam rear suspension and struts up front. See below for a spec comparison, or read all about the CX-3 in our range review.

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CX-30

The base Pure is richly specified: high-quality cloth upholstery, a leather-appointed steering wheel and adaptive cruise control are included along with stress-easing driver assistance features.

A more mature vehicle, the larger CX-30 starts with the 2.0-litre (tuned to 114kW/200Nm) which is adequate. Spend a bit more for the ‘big-block’ 2.5-litre (139kW/252Nm) and enjoy a nice blend of old-school throttle response and close-to-new-school fuel economy.

See below for a spec comparison, and read all CX-30 variant reviews on our hub page.

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Comfort and Practicality

CX-3

Supportive seats feature across the CX-3 range with an elevated driving position (as expected from an SUV) without being absurdly high.

Incidental storage is where the CX-3 stumbles, with just one box rather than a pair of centre cup holders, tight door bins and a small covered cubby beneath the armrest.

The rear seat is not spacious for six-footers, however, shorter occupants will find the back seat serviceable. The bench is set high for a good view out, and there’s a fold-down centre armrest with cup holders.

Mazda includes two ISOFIX anchors and three top tether points for child seats.

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CX-30

Based on the 3 rather than the 2, the CX-30’s comfortable front seats offer plenty of height adjustment; from low and racy to high and commanding.

The CX-30 has one of the most attractive and tactile steering wheels available, and incidental storage is better than the CX-3 with a larger covered cubby and two cup holders.

It’s also more spacious in the rear with wider door apertures, making the CX-30 a better choice for a growing family.

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Boot space

CX-3

At 264 litres, the CX-3’s boot is small. It’ll fit a pram, suitcases, or your weekend camping gear, but not all three at once. The 60:40 split rear seatback can be folded flat and there's a temporary spare tyre under the boot floor.

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CX-30

The CX-30’s boot is larger and more usable than the CX-3’s, rated at 317L normally, or 430L when taking the under-floor storage into account. With the 60:40 split-fold second row down, it has a 1406-litre total capacity.

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Safety

CX-3

The Mazda’s CX-3’s 2015 five-star ANCAP rating expired in December 2022. All models are equipped with stability control and six airbags (dual front, side and curtain).

For 2023, more safety features have been added across the range with forward auto emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors and driver attention monitoring.

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CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 achieved a five-star ANCAP rating in 2019.

Although the CX-3 has a decent safety list, the newer CX-30’s list includes better AEB and adaptive cruise control across the range.

AEB with junction assist, front parking sensors, driver monitoring and a 360-camera can be added to the Pure base model for $1500 and is standard on the Evolve.

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How do they drive?

CX-3

With its perky engine and lithe kerb weight (1295-1305kg), the CX-3 is a nippy car to drive around town.

The front struts/rear torsion beam suspension is a common setup and works well enough. The rear end of the CX-3 can be found lacking travel compared to the front though, and the 18-inch alloys introduce harshness over square-edged hits. Still, forward visibility is good and the CX-3 has excellent steering.

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CX-30

As its size suggests, the CX-30 is a more mature car to drive, being quieter and more planted on freeways.

The CX-30’s torsion beam rear suspension is up to the task. Like the CX-3, the Pure with its 16-inch alloys and balloon tyres rides the best. The CX-30’s well-weighted steering is also worth mentioning.

Opting for the G25 brings welcome extra punch as it’s a fair bit heavier than the CX-3 (1419-1594kg), and the six-speed automatic is expertly calibrated.

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Warranty and Servicing

CX-3

The CX-3 is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Servicing is due every 12 months or 10,000km and costs $2127 over five years when including brake fluid and cabin filter changes.

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CX-30

A five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty covers the CX-30. It’s also slightly cheaper to service, at $1678 for five years. Maintenance is also due every 12 months/10,000km.

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Verdict – Mazda CX-3

It may be getting on in years, but the CX-3 is still a peppy, fun car to drive that will appeal to those on a budget (Pure) or looking to downsize without sacrificing amenities (Touring SP and Akari).

Verdict – Mazda CX-30

A more grown-up car to fit the family, the CX-30 sits in the Goldilocks zone between CX-3 and CX-5 with more choice in the range.

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