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Spoilt for Choice: What's the Difference Between the Cx 3 and the Cx 5?
Table of Contents
Engine
In terms of engine changes, we didn’t think the CX 5 needed many. This is because we believe that the original engine was the perfect fit for this vehicle. It’s a big SUV that needs a big engine, and that is exactly what it has. With a 2.5L turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that can reach 170kW and 420Nm torque, this car will easily power through any scenario.
You will immediately notice a change in strength when comparing to the CX 3. This is a positive when selecting a smaller car - you don’t want more power than you need! Instead, we went for something smaller with a focus on quieter engine design. That’s where the Mazda CX 3 shines in comparison. Although the CX 5 can’t be beaten in power, the CX 3 can’t be beaten in fuel economy and torque delivery. The CX 3 has also seen the introduction of our SKYACTIV-D designed 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine which reaches 110kW and 195Nm.
When looking at fuel consumption, you might assume the win is going to the CX 3, but we shouldn’t compare them directly. If you look at the fuel economy of the CX 5 and compare that to the average consumption of SUV engines similar in size and design, you’ll get an idea of how competitive the CX 5 is. The CX 3 sits at a tiny 4.7L/100km, while the CX 5 is 9.8L/100km compared to 11 - 14L for the same range.
Features
Let’s take a closer look at available features. Both the Mazda CX 3 and CX 5 are packed to the brim with great features so that you can look forward to driving every day. The baseline features and the direction of both the Mazda CX 5 and Mazda CX 3 are some of the largest differences between the vehicles.
The base Mazda CX 3 model is packed with helpful and utility-focused features to make daily life easy and fun. Some of the features on the baseline model include a 7-inch Bluetooth screen, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensor, keyless start, Command Control system, Smart City Braking, and many more. As you can probably tell, the Mazda CX 3 focuses on practicality.
Meanwhile, the CX 5 has the perfect balance of fun and safety features. Autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and off-road tracking are just some of the safety features you can expect from the Mazda CX 5. For your comfort, enjoy features like dual-zone climate control, heads-up display, satellite navigation, and more.
If you are looking for an affordable, compact small SUV that manages all of your daily tasks with ease, then the CX 3 is a great choice. But if you have a family or enjoy a little bit more space, then the CX 5 may be more your speed.
Appearance
You really can’t go wrong with either the CX 3 and CX 5 in terms of appearance. The Mazda CX 3 is the more eccentric of the pair; the grille has been updated, and the smooth panel design paired with some hard curves make for a striking exterior. With eight different colours to choose from, you can ensure your car reflects your personality and preferences. The CX 3’s sophisticated interior is simpler than the CX 5, but still sleek, sporty, and comfortable.
The Mazda CX 5's exterior design is larger than the CX 3, with higher ground clearance, making it bigger, stronger, and sturdier in appearance. Smooth and sleek, the CX 5 is a classic SUV that is hard to critique. With higher models offering wood finishes, a frameless rearview mirror, and crisp lines, the CX 5's interior is all class and comfort. The Mazda CX 5 offers nine different colours, also allowing for personalisation
Which Model is Right For You?
The Mazda CX 3 is the definition of compact and functional, efficient yet strong. If you live alone or with one other person, this car is great as a daily driver due to its smaller size and driving capabilities. The front two seats are decently spacious and the boot has good room for your daily life needs. It's got a good set of features, a great fuel economy, and is incredibly affordable.
If you can spare the money and need the room then you should absolutely go for the CX 5. It has five comfortable seats with large amounts of leg space in both front and rear seats, and a very generous amount of cargo space, with 442L of cargo volume with rear seats up and 1342L with rear seats down. If you have a family or enjoy hitting the road for longer trips and grand touring, the Mazda CX 5 is the perfect fit.
Book A Test Drive
So we've compared the models and looked at the differences between the Mazda CX 3 and CX 5 - now it's time to book a test drive. At Melville Mazda, we have both the Mazda CX 3 and CX 5 available. The only way to truly know which model is best for you is to come down and take them both for a spin; you can book a test drive online to get started or visit one of our stores today.