Verdict
The RM26,549 gap buys the CX-5 a 48 hp and 64 Nm advantage, a 130 mm longer wheelbase and 92 litres more boot space. Its 162 hp, 213 Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and multi-link rear suspension make it the more substantial C-segment choice, while rear air vents and dual-zone climate control suit regular passengers. But the CX-3 is far from bare: it gets blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display and a powered memory driver’s seat. For a Malaysian buyer prioritising a smaller 4,275 mm footprint and lower RM120 annual road tax, it is the sharper-value pick.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want the smaller 4,275 mm SUV with blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display and a powered memory driver’s seat.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you need 442 litres of boot space, 162 hp and rear air vents for frequent passenger carrying.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Mazda CX-5 RM134,469.
- Engine output: Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm; Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda CX-3 4,275 mm and 2,570 mm; Mazda CX-5 4,550 mm and 2,700 mm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 350 litres; Mazda CX-5 442 litres.
- Annual road tax: Mazda CX-3 RM120; Mazda CX-5 RM439.
- Rear suspension: Mazda CX-3 torsion beam; Mazda CX-5 multi-link.
CX-3
- Blind-spot monitoring and head-up display
- Powered driver’s seat with memory function
- Lower RM120 annual road tax
- 114 hp and 149 Nm versus 162 hp and 213 Nm
- 350-litre boot versus 442 litres
- Manual air-con with no rear air vents
CX-5
- 162 hp and 213 Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine
- 442-litre boot and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats
- LED projector headlamps, dual-zone climate control and rear air vents
- No blind-spot monitoring
- Manual driver’s seat, versus the CX-3’s powered memory seat
- No head-up display
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM134,469 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp | 162 hp✓ |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 213 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 13 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 10.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 176 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | 1,588 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 442 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 225/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Continental CrossContact LX Sport |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-3 & CX-5 for sale
CX-3 vs CX-5 FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Mazda CX-5 better?
The CX-5 is better for space and performance, with 162 hp, a 442-litre boot and rear air vents. The CX-3 is the better choice for a smaller footprint and equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display and a powered memory seat.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM26,549 more than the Mazda CX-3.
Which Mazda has more boot space?
The Mazda CX-5 has the larger boot at 442 litres, 92 litres more than the Mazda CX-3’s 350 litres.