VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
103 kW
Torque
206 Nm
172 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Towing
850 Kg
800 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.5 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-3 and the Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-3 delivers 115 kW while the Toyota Corolla Cross produces 103 kW. On fuel, the CX-3 returns 6.3 l/100km while the Corolla Cross uses 6.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R551 600 for the CX-3 and R508 200 for the Corolla Cross. 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
103 kW
Torque
206 Nm
172 Nm
0-100 kph
9.5 s
—
Top Speed
197 Km/h
185 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
47 l
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
159 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4275 mm
4460 mm
Width
1765-2049 mm
1825 mm
Height
1550 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
155 mm
161 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 Kg
1325-1395 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
240-1150 l
440 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
800 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
6 services
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-3
Fuel Economy
CX-3
Value
Corolla Cross
Practicality
CX-3
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-3
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (850 Kg)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla Cross
Lower starting price (R508 200)
Higher fuel consumption (6.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 115 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-3 or Corolla Cross?
The CX-3 uses 6.3 l/100km and the Corolla Cross uses 6.7 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 CX-3 or Corolla Cross?
The CX-3 produces 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque while the Corolla Cross delivers 103 kW and 172 Nm of torque. The CX-3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-3 and Corolla Cross?
The CX-3 starts from R551 600 and the Corolla Cross from R508 200. The Corolla Cross is cheaper by R43 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-3 or Corolla Cross?
The CX-3 has a braked towing capacity of 850 Kg and the Corolla Cross can tow 800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-3 or the Corolla Cross?
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.