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 312,400 cheaperCX-3 from ZAR 440,000 · MU-X from ZAR 752,400
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
110 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
350 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
3000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
15.9 km/l
13.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
155 mm
235 mm
Boot / Load Bay
230 l
-
Airbags
6
Standard
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
2080 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
MU-X holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
MU-X
+15 pts
Efficiency
CX-3
+9 pts
Safety
MU-X
+9 pts
Practicality
MU-X
+40 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-3
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Catalogue-index leader
MU-X
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-3
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
MU-X
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Model Introduced Year
2015
2013
Generation
Current first-generation DK-series Mazda CX-3
Current generation MU-X built on Isuzu D-Max platform
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.
Latest updates improved styling and safety tech
Facelift Launched Since
2015
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
7-seat SUV
Model Year
2026
MY26
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Compact crossover
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
2080 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 3.0 DDi LSE 4x4 AT
Gross Combined Mass Kg
-
5900 kg
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Length
4275 mm
4850 mm
Width
1765 mm
1870 mm
Height
1542 mm
1825 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2855 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
155 mm
235 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
230 l
-
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
2080 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1735 kg
2800 kg
Payload Capacity
465 kg
659 kg
Towing Capacity
850 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
11.4 m
Front Legroom
1058 mm
-
Rear Legroom
888 mm
-
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Power Windows
Front & Rear
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Power with step sensor and control switch
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
1140 l
Not Applicable
AC Type
Automatic
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Auto Dimming
12V Accessory Socket
-
2
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
-
Auto Dimming
Climate Zones
-
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Front Power Outlet
-
2
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.6
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Intercooler
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Power Mirrors
-
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Rear Wing
-
Standard
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Seat Type
-
Partial Leather
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
-
Standard
Side Steps
-
Standard / Very Dark Magnetite
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Steering Mounted Controls
-
Standard
Tail Lamps
-
Standard
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Air Conditioning
Automatic
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Automatic High Beam
-
Standard
B Pillar Blackout
-
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
Front Bumper Colour
-
Gloss Black / Body Colour
Front Final Drive Ratio
-
3.727
Front Reading Lamps
-
Standard
Front Wiper
-
Auto, Rain Sensing
Front Wipers Type
-
Auto, Rain Sensing
Intelligent Battery System
-
Standard
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Standard
Lift Gate
-
Power with step sensor and control switch
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Auto climate control with rear cabin cooling vents
Mirror
-
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Mudflaps
-
Front & Rear
Oil Pan Guard
-
Standard
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
-
Standard
Power Socket 12v
-
2
Powered Tailgate
-
Power with step sensor and control switch
Pre Air Cleaner
-
Standard
Reading Lights Front
-
Standard
Rear Bumper Colour
-
Body Colour / Gloss Black
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Rear Final Drive Ratio
-
3.727
Rear LED Combination Taillights
-
Standard
Rear Privacy Windows
-
Standard
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
Auto Dimming
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Standard
Remote Start Engine
-
Standard
Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Standard / Very Dark Magnetite
Side Impact Bars
-
Standard
Sonar
-
Front & Rear
Sound System
7
8
Source Model Column
-
3.0 LSE A/T 4x4
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
TPMS
-
Standard
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Standard
Trim Level
-
flagship
Unlocking
Smart
Standard
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vdc
-
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Standard
Walk Away Lock
-
Standard
Water Depth Protection Mm
-
800 mm
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
4JJ3
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
3000 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
16.3:1
Bore
83.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 6000 rpm
110 kW @ 3600 rpm
Maximum Torque
206 Nm @ 2800 rpm
350 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
197 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
90.6 kW/tonne
52.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
162.2 Nm/tonne
168.3 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4WD / AWD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.325
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
4
Transmission Type
Automatic
6 Speed Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD / AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Available
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Standard
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
4x2
4WD / AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Standard
Transmission Speeds
6
4
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Gear Knob Trim
-
Leather / Piano Black
Gear Ratio 1st
-
3.600
Gear Ratio 2nd
-
2.090
Gear Ratio 3rd
-
1.488
Gear Ratio 4th
-
1.000
Gear Ratio 5th
-
0.687
Gear Ratio 6th
-
0.580
Gear Ratio Reverse
-
3.732
Transfer Case Guard
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
13.2 km/l
City Mileage
12.8 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
18.7 km/l
15.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
48 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
48
80
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
13.2 km/l
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Airbags
6
Standard
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Driver
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
Standard
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
-
Standard
Far Side Airbag
-
Standard
Front Seat Side Airbags
-
Standard
Height Adjustable Seatbelts
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front & Rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Auto Lights
-
Standard
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Driver Monitoring
-
Standard
Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Front Camera
-
Standard
Multi Collision Braking
-
Standard
Occupant Detection Sensor
-
Passengers
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Front & Rear
Parking Sensor
-
Front & Rear
Automatic High Beam
-
Standard
Pre-Collision System
-
Standard
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Standard
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Seat Material
Black Leather
Partial Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
1360 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1281 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
10-Way Power Adjustable (Driver)
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Partial Leather
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Steering Type
-
Hydraulic
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Rear Armrest
-
Standard with 2 cupholders
Rear USB Ports
-
Standard
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
Interior Colour Options
-
5
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Fabric Seats
-
Partial Leather
Armrest Rear
-
Standard with 2 cupholders
Driver Seat
-
Driver Power 8-way & Passenger Power 4-way
Front Seats Configuration
-
2 x Bucket Reclining
Heated Front Seats
-
Standard
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Standard
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Partial Leather
Interior Colours
-
5
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
-
Standard with 2 cupholders
Seat Belt Warning
-
Standard
Second Row Seat Configuration
-
Bench 60:40 Fold-Flat
Third Row Seat Configuration
-
Bench 50:50 Fold-Flat
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Infotainment System
Standard
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Not Available
Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
7
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
USB Ports
2
Standard
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
8-Inch
SYNC
FM Radio
-
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
8-Inch
SYNC
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Standard
Rear Usb
-
Standard
Audio
-
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Audio Input
-
USB, Auxiliary
Audio Speakers
7
8
Audio System
-
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard
Multi Information Display
-
Standard, 7-inch with decoration
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Radio
-
9-inch Touch Screen with RDS, MP3, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, integrated mobile handsfree, rear view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
LED Headlamps
Standard
Bi-LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic + Machining
-
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.
5
Headlights
Standard
Bi-LED
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Standard, LED
Roof Rails
-
Standard / Very Dark Magnetite
Rear Spoiler
-
Standard
Rear Wiper
-
Auto, Rain Sensing
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Colour
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Standard
LED
Fog Lights
-
Standard, LED
Front Fog Lights
-
Standard, LED
Led Headlights
Standard
Bi-LED
Led Taillights
-
Standard
Auto Headlights
-
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
LED
Exterior Colour Options
-
5
Exterior Door Handle Colour
-
Body Colour
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
All with driver one touch, jam protection and timer
Front Fog Lamps
-
Standard, LED
Front Overhang Mm
-
895 mm
Headlamp Levelling
-
Automatic
Headlamps
Standard
Bi-LED
Headlight Type
Standard
Bi-LED
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Radiator Grille Colour
-
Dark Chrome
Rear Fog Lamps
-
LED
Rear Overhang Mm
-
1100 mm
Rear Spoiler
-
Standard
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Departure Angle
25.7 deg
26.0 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Four-wheel drive
Ground Clearance Max
155 mm
235 mm
Ground Clearance Min
155 mm
235 mm
Approach Angle
-
30.0 deg
Wading Depth
-
800 mm
Underbody Protection
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Approach Angle Deg
-
30.0 deg
Breakover Angle
-
24.0 deg
Breakover Angle Deg
-
24.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
26.0 deg
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Engine Sump Guard
-
Standard
Off Road Descent Control
-
Standard
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Skid Plate Guard
-
Standard
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Wading Depth Mm
-
800 mm
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Tyre Size
215/50R18
265/60R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Wheel Rim Size
18 X 7.0 J
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Standard
Parking Brake Type
-
Standard
Spare Tyre
Temporary spare 185/60 R16
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Tyre Type
-
265/60R18
Wheel Diameter
18 X 7.0 J
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Auto Brake Hold
-
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Standard
Brake Override Accelerator
-
Standard
Cornering Brake Control
-
Standard
Electric Park Brake
-
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
-
Standard
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Standard
Leather Steering Wheel Controls
-
Standard
Multi Collision Brake
-
Standard
Spare Wheel Size Type
-
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
-
Standard
Towing Unbraked Kg
-
750 kg
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
-
Standard
Wheel Size Type
-
Alloy 18 x 7.5J-33
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Independent High-ride Coil
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Multi-link Coil
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Power Steering
-
Hydraulic
Steering Column
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Front Spring Type
-
Independent High-ride Coil
Rear Spring Type
-
Multi-link Coil
Shock Absorber Type
-
Gas
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
Independent High-ride Coil
Gross Axle Mass Front Kg
-
1450 kg
Gross Axle Mass Rear Kg
-
1650 kg
High Ride Suspension
-
Standard
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
-
Multi-link Coil
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam axle
Multi-link Coil
Shock Absorbers
-
Gas
Suspension
-
Independent High-ride Coil
Track Front Rear Mm
-
1570 / 1570
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
CO2 Emissions
146 g/km
200 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Idle CO2 Output
-
200
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
200
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90 000 km
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
5 years / 90 000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Service Plan Duration
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90 000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Flagship
Price Zar
551600 ZAR
973800 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
551600
973800
Starting Price Zar
551600
973800
Spec
CX-3
MU-X
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
5 years / 120 000 km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
5 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 years / 120 000 km
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
MU-X leads by 15 points
MU-X holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-3.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
MU-X
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
88/100
CX-3
Performance
47/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
48/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Isuzu MU-X
leads the catalogue index with 75 pts
vs 60 pts for CX-3
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, MU-X leads. However, CX-3 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. 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.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This CX-3 and MU-X comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: CX-3 47 vs MU-X 62.
Efficiency index: CX-3 61 vs MU-X 52.
Safety-equipment index: CX-3 84 vs MU-X 93.
Practicality index: CX-3 48 vs MU-X 88.
Ownership-cover index: CX-3 not separately scored vs MU-X not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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