VS
At a Glance
Power
137 kW
115 kW
Torque
416 Nm
206 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1900 Kg
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.4 s
9.5 s
Engine
1998 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 137 kW while the Mazda CX-3 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the Tucson returns 7.4 l/100km while the CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R859 900 for the Tucson and R551 600 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
137 kW
115 kW
Torque
416 Nm
206 Nm
0-100 kph
9.4 s
9.5 s
Top Speed
201 Km/h
197 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
48 l
CO2 Emissions
169 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4650 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
1678 Kg
1270 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
539-1860 l
240-1150 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1900 Kg
850 Kg
Load Capacity
617 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tucson
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
CX-3
Practicality
Tucson
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
More powerful engine (137 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1900 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mazda CX-3
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R551 600)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 137 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or CX-3?
The Tucson uses 7.4 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 137 kW and 416 Nm of torque while the CX-3 delivers 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque. The Tucson is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and CX-3?
The Tucson starts from R859 900 and the CX-3 from R551 600. The CX-3 is cheaper by R308 300 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 1900 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.