VS
At a Glance
Power
129kW@6000
115 kW
Torque
241Nm@4000
206 Nm
Fuel
12.3
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1600
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
13.7
9.5 s
Engine
2656
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 129kW@6000 while the Mazda CX-3 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the TUCSON returns 12.3 while the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R294 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
129kW@6000
115 kW
Torque
241Nm@4000
206 Nm
0-100 kph
13.7
9.5 s
Top Speed
197
197 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2656
1998 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.3
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
16.4
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.4
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
48 l
CO2 Emissions
269
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4325
4275 mm
Width
1830
1765-2049 mm
Height
1730
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2630
2570 mm
Ground Clearance
195
155 mm
Kerb Weight
1781
1270 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
240-1150 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
850 Kg
Load Capacity
1856
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
5
Warranty Distance
150000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
TUCSON
Practicality
TUCSON
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Lower starting price (R294 900)
Higher towing capacity (1600)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3)
No factory service plan
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the TUCSON or CX-3?
The TUCSON uses 12.3 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 129kW@6000 and 241Nm@4000 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 R294 900 and the CX-3 from R479 300. The TUCSON is cheaper by R184 400 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 1600 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.