VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
121 kW
Torque
206 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
850 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
10.4 s
Engine
1998 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mazda CX-3 delivers 115 kW while the Mazda CX-5 produces 121 kW. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R551 600 for the CX-3 and R570 500 for the CX-5. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda CX-32.0 Carbon Edition A/T 2024 - From R551 600
Mazda CX-52.0 Active A/T 2024 - From R570 500
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
121 kW
Torque
206 Nm
213 Nm
0-100 kph
9.5 s
10.4 s
Top Speed
197 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
56 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
160 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
4575 mm
Width
1765-2049 mm
1845-2115 mm
Height
1550 mm
1675 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
155 mm
185 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
1575 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
240-1150 l
438-1914 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3yr
5yr
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
unlimitedkm
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-5
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
CX-3
Practicality
CX-5
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R551 600)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 121 kW)
Mazda CX-5
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-3 or CX-5?
The CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CX-3 or CX-5?
The CX-3 produces 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque while the CX-5 delivers 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The CX-5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-3 and CX-5?
The CX-3 starts from R551 600 and the CX-5 from R570 500. The CX-3 is cheaper by R18 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-3 or CX-5?
The CX-3 has a braked towing capacity of 850 Kg and the CX-5 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-3 or the CX-5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.