Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the Toyota Yaris Cross is the more rounded pick: it costs RM8,020 less, carries 471 litres versus 350 litres in the Mazda CX-3, and adds adaptive cruise control, steering correction and a 360-degree camera. The CX-3 fights back with 114 hp and 149 Nm, against 105 hp and 138 Nm, plus a six-speed conventional automatic rather than a CVT. Choose the Mazda for its stronger output and head-up display; choose the Toyota for everyday space and equipment.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want the stronger 114 hp/149 Nm petrol engine, a six-speed automatic with Sport mode and a head-up display.
Pick the Toyota Yaris Cross if you want to spend RM8,020 less for a 471-litre boot, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Toyota Yaris Cross RM99,900.
- Power and torque: Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm; Toyota Yaris Cross 105 hp and 138 Nm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 350 litres; Toyota Yaris Cross 471 litres.
- Wheelbase and height: Mazda CX-3 2,570 mm and 1,535 mm; Toyota Yaris Cross 2,620 mm and 1,655 mm.
- Wheels: Mazda CX-3 16-inch alloys with 215/60R16 tyres; Toyota Yaris Cross 18-inch two-tone alloys with 215/55R18 tyres.
- Warranty mileage: Mazda CX-3 five years/100,000 km; Toyota Yaris Cross five years/unlimited mileage.
CX-3
- 114 hp and 149 Nm, ahead of the Toyota's 105 hp and 138 Nm.
- Six-speed SkyActiv-Drive conventional automatic with Sport mode and Tiptronic.
- Head-up display and six-speaker audio.
- Costs RM8,020 more.
- 350-litre boot is 121 litres smaller.
- No lane-keeping assist or collision warning; halogen reflector headlamps.
Yaris Cross
- 471-litre boot and a 2,620-mm wheelbase.
- Adaptive cruise control, steering correction and collision warning.
- LED projector headlamps, 360-degree camera and powered boot.
- 105 hp and 138 Nm trail the Mazda's 114 hp and 149 Nm.
- 42-litre fuel tank is smaller than the Mazda's 48 litres.
- Four-speaker audio and no head-up display.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920 | RM99,900✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp✓ | 105 hp |
| Torque | 149 Nm✓ | 138 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,310 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | 1,150 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 42 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 471 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Steel 195/65R16 Tyre |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Toyo Proxes R61 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" 2-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" 2-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 4-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-3 & Yaris Cross for sale
CX-3 vs Yaris Cross FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Toyota Yaris Cross better?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the better all-round buy for most people, with a lower price, 471-litre boot, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The Mazda CX-3 suits drivers who prioritise its 114 hp/149 Nm output and six-speed automatic.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-3 costs RM107,920 and the Toyota Yaris Cross costs RM99,900, so the Mazda is RM8,020 more expensive.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Toyota Yaris Cross has the bigger boot at 471 litres, compared with 350 litres in the Mazda CX-3. That is a 121-litre advantage for the Toyota.
