A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
CX-3 starts ZAR 790200 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · CX-60 from ZAR 790,200
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Engine Power
115 kW
141 kW
Torque
206 Nm
261 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
2488 cc
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
13.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
178.8 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
477 l
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1470 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years/Unlimited km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
CX-60 holds a noticeable edge over CX-3, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
CX-60
+12 pts
Efficiency
CX-3
+10 pts
Safety
CX-60
+38 pts
Practicality
CX-60
+20 pts
Ownership
CX-60
+8 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
CX-60
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
CX-60
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Model Introduced Year
2015
2023
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
First-generation KH-series Mazda CX-60 on Mazda's Large Product architecture
Facelift History
The CX-3 has received successive equipment and design updates since its 2015 debut; Carbon and Individual now sit together at the top of the South African range.
Mazda introduced the CX-60 locally in 2023, added the six-cylinder Takumi in 2024 and revised suspension and drivetrain calibration for the 2025 update.
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
Active
Segment
Compact crossover
Premium mid-size SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Ground Clearance
155 mm
178.8 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2870 mm
Length
4275 mm
4745 mm
Width
1765 mm
1890 mm
Height
1542 mm
1687.5 mm
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1470 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1735 kg
2342 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
230 l
477 l
Towing Capacity
850 kg
1500 kg
Turning Radius
5.7 m
5.85 m
Load Bed Length
230 l
477 l
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1058 mm
Rear Legroom
888 mm
990 mm
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
1504 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
1441 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
1148 l
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
465 kg
872 kg
Boot Volume
230 l
477 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
58 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1735 kg
2342 kg
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
178.8 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
178.8 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
155 mm
178.8 mm
Height Mm
1542 mm
1687.5 mm
Length Mm
4275 mm
4745 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
230 l
477 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
465 kg
872 kg
Cargo Volume
230 l
477 l
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1470 kg
Turning Circle
5.7 m
5.85 m
Turning Circle M
5.7 m
5.85 m
Width Mm
1765 mm
1890 mm
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Engine
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Engine Type
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Displacement
1998 cc
2488 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
115 kW
141 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
6000
Torque
206 Nm
261 Nm
Torque @ RPM
2800
3000
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Top Speed
197 km/h
201 km/h
Compression Ratio
13:0:0
13.0:1
Cylinder Bore
83.5 mm
89 mm
Piston Stroke
91.2 mm
100 mm
Power
154 bhp
189 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type Config
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
2488 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
2488 cc
Engine Config
2.0 Litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
2488 cc
Engine Power kW
115 kW
141 kW
Engine Torque Nm
206 Nm
261 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Max Power kW
115 kW
141 kW
Max Torque Nm
206 Nm
261 Nm
Maximum Power
115 kW
141 kW
Maximum Torque
206 Nm
261 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
6000
Torque Nm Rpm
2800
3000
Turbo Type
-
-
0-100 km/h
-
9.9 sec
0–100 km/h
-
9.9 sec
Acceleration 0 100
-
9.9 sec
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
8-Speed Auto
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
4.181
Number of Gears
6 km/h
8 km/h
Transmission Type
6-Speed Auto
8-Speed Auto
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
8-Speed Auto
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Auto
8-Speed Auto
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
FWD
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
8 km/h
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
13.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
58 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
6.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.3 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
48 l
58 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
-
Standard
AEB
-
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
-
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Driver & Passenger
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
-
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
-
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Drive Modes
Sport
Off-road, Sport, Towing
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Standard
Around View Monitor
-
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Seat Material
Black Leather
Black Leather
Heated Seats
-
-
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
(40:20:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
8-Way Power adjustable (Driver & Passenger) w. memory (Driver)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
8-Way Power adjustable (Driver & Passenger) w. memory (Driver)
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Black Leather
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Climate Control
Automatic
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
Smart
Smart
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Automatic
Dual-zone climate control
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Infotainment Screen
Standard
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
7
12
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Standard
USB Ports
2
2
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
12-inch
Touchscreen
8-Inch
12-inch
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
Silver Metallic
Exterior Colour Options
Aero Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Polymetal Grey, Platinum Quartz and Soul Red Crystal are listed, with Carbon availability limited to selected finishes.
Mazda South Africa lists model-specific premium paint finishes; current stock should be checked against the selected cabin and edition.
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Panoramic
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
20 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Off-road, Sport, Towing
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
AWD
Approach Angle
-
18.6 deg
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Tyre Size
215/50R18
235/50 R20
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Temporary spare T155/90 D18
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
20x7-1/2J
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double wishbone
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-link
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
180 g/km
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
902000 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Starting Price
551600
902000
Starting Price Zar
551600
902000
Spec
CX-3
CX-60
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
CX-60 leads by 15 points
CX-60 holds a noticeable edge over CX-3, especially in key ownership areas.
In structured scoring, CX-60 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, CX-3 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the CX-60 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: CX-3 61 vs CX-60 51. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: CX-3 61, CX-60 99. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: CX-3 47, CX-60 55. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: CX-3 48, CX-60 68. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-3 47, CX-60 59. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The CX-60 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The CX-60 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between CX-3 and CX-60 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-3 scores 47 vs 59.
Efficiency: CX-3 scores 61 vs 51.
Safety: CX-3 scores 61 vs 99.
Practicality: CX-3 scores 48 vs 68.
Ownership: CX-3 scores 47 vs 55.
Final structured scoring gives CX-60
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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