VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
115 kW
Torque
192 Nm
206 Nm
Fuel
8.9 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1610 Kg
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.4 s
9.5 s
Engine
1999 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Mazda CX-3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai Tucson delivers 115 kW while the Mazda CX-3 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the Tucson returns 8.9 l/100km while the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R559 900 for the Tucson and R479 300 for the CX-3. 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.
Performance
Power Output
115 kW
115 kW
Torque
192 Nm
206 Nm
0-100 kph
11.4 s
9.5 s
Top Speed
181 Km/h
197 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1999 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
8.9 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
193 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4640 mm
4275 mm
Width
1865 mm
1765-2049 mm
Height
1665 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2755 mm
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
181 mm
155 mm
Kerb Weight
1490 Kg
1270 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
539-1860 l
240-1150 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1610 Kg
850 Kg
Load Capacity
615 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
75000
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
CX-3
Practicality
Tucson
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
Higher towing capacity (1610 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R479 300)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or CX-3?
The Tucson uses 8.9 l/100km and the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tucson or CX-3?
The Tucson produces 115 kW and 192 Nm of torque while the CX-3 delivers 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and CX-3?
The Tucson starts from R559 900 and the CX-3 from R479 300. The CX-3 is cheaper by R80 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tucson or CX-3?
The Tucson has a braked towing capacity of 1610 Kg and the CX-3 can tow 850 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tucson or the CX-3?
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.