Verdict
Just RM2,060 separates the RM107,920 Mazda CX-3 from the RM109,980 Mitsubishi Xforce, but they take different routes. The Mazda’s 1.5-litre makes 114 hp and 149 Nm, 10 hp and 8 Nm more than the Mitsubishi, while its six-speed automatic, wireless phone integration, head-up display and powered memory driver’s seat suit the driver-focused buyer. The Xforce is 115 mm longer with an 80 mm longer wheelbase, has a 410-litre boot and brings LED lighting, rear air vents and a 360-degree camera. For family practicality, the Mitsubishi is the sharper call.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want the stronger 114 hp/149 Nm petrol drivetrain, a six-speed automatic and driver-focused kit such as a head-up display and powered memory seat.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xforce if you need the 410-litre boot, roomier 2,650 mm wheelbase and family-useful rear vents, 360-degree camera and 40:20:40 rear seat.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Mitsubishi Xforce RM109,980.
- Output: Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm; Mitsubishi Xforce 104 hp and 141 Nm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 350 litres; Mitsubishi Xforce 410 litres.
- Wheelbase: Mazda CX-3 2,570 mm; Mitsubishi Xforce 2,650 mm.
- Wheels and tyres: Mazda CX-3 16-inch alloys with 215/60R16 tyres; Mitsubishi Xforce 18-inch alloys with 225/50R18 tyres.
- Fuel tank: Mazda CX-3 48 litres; Mitsubishi Xforce 42 litres.
CX-3
- 114 hp and 149 Nm, ahead by 10 hp and 8 Nm.
- Six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic with Sport mode and Tiptronic.
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, head-up display, plus powered memory driver’s seat.
- 350-litre boot trails the Xforce’s 410 litres.
- Halogen headlamps and bulb taillamps miss the Xforce’s LED lighting and auto high beam.
- No rear air vents, front parking sensors or 360-degree camera.
Xforce
- 410-litre boot and 2,650 mm wheelbase give it the more practical packaging.
- LED projector headlamps with auto high beam, full LED taillamps and front foglamps.
- Dual-zone climate control, rear vents, front sensors and a 360-degree camera.
- 104 hp and 141 Nm fall behind the CX-3’s 114 hp and 149 Nm.
- CVT automatic lacks the CX-3’s six-speed gearbox, Sport mode and Tiptronic.
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only; it also lacks a head-up display and powered memory driver’s seat.
What the CX-3 has over the Xforce
What the Xforce has over the CX-3
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The Xforce's wheelbase is 80 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The Xforce is 45 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the Xforce: 410 litres against 350.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM109,980 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,100/mo✓ | RM1,125/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,085✓ | RM3,139 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 104 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ | 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm | 75 mm × 84.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | 1,250 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 42 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 410 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 225/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | 22 inch | — |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | 18 inch | — |
| Wiper Blade (Rear) | 10 inch | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| 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 | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) |
| 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 | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| 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 vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| 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" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| 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 Activated |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree view |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used CX-3 & Xforce for sale
Our reviews & guides
Mazda CX-3
CX-3 vs Xforce FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Mitsubishi Xforce better?
The Mitsubishi Xforce is better for cabin and boot practicality, with a 410-litre boot, rear vents and a 360-degree camera. Choose the Mazda CX-3 for its stronger 114 hp/149 Nm engine, six-speed automatic, head-up display and wireless smartphone integration.
What is the price difference?
The Mitsubishi Xforce costs RM2,060 more than the Mazda CX-3. That small gap buys a larger body, 60 litres more boot space, LED lighting, dual-zone climate control, rear vents and a 360-degree camera.
Which has the better warranty coverage?
Both have a five-year manufacturer warranty, but the Mitsubishi Xforce has unlimited mileage coverage. The Mazda CX-3 warranty is capped at 100,000 km and includes five-year/100,000 km free service.
Which one is locally assembled?
The Xforce is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the CX-3 is fully imported (CBU) from Japan. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.