2021 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport LE v Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid comparison
How does Mazda's popular urban SUV compare against Toyota's hot new Yaris Cross Hybrid? Glenn Butler and Tom Fraser find out.
The smallest SUVs are big news these days. Sales of the tiniest urban assault vehicles are up an astonishing 146 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020 (June YTD). Admittedly, 2020 was far from a normal year, but booming sales of cars like the Toyota Yaris Cross, Ford Puma, Mazda CX-3, Volkswagen T-Cross and others in this class cannot be put down solely to the COVID cloud lifting.
Clearly, these compact and capable city SUVs combine the right ingredients to make an automotive dish that more and more Australians are finding extremely tasty.
Getting a longer-term picture of the astonishing growth is hard because the Light SUV category didn’t officially exist just two years ago, according to new-car sales scorekeeper VFACTS. Today, there are 15 different models for Australian new-car buyers to choose from.
The Mazda CX-3 is far and away Australia’s favourite model, with the Toyota Yaris Cross a distant but still respectable second.
Let’s see how they measure up.
Introduction
Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport LE on test is one of the cheaper variants in the range, though it adds some key visual enhancements over the Maxx Sport. Notably, the LE gets swanky cream leatherette seats with coffee-coloured synthetic suede inserts and black side mirror caps.
Pricing for the CX-3 Maxx Sport LE starts from $30,490 drive-away (or listed at $27,640 before on-road costs) in the petrol automatic guise we have on test. The entire range comes standard with safety kit including autonomous emergency braking, six airbags and a 7.0-inch touchscreen, though this Maxx Sport LE also gets blind-spot monitoring, native satellite navigation and a set of variant-specific 16-inch wheels.
Like many cars in the segment, Mazda bases the CX-3 on passenger car underpinnings. The CX-3 shares underpinnings with the Mazda 2, but can be had in front- or all-wheel drive.
The CX-3 is the smallest SUV Mazda offers and pricing kicks off just below $23,000. Larger models in the Mazda SUV range include the CX-30, CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9.
Our CX-3 Maxx Sport is powered by a 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that drives the front wheels. The Mxx Sport LE also comes standard with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission whereas a six-speed manual is available on other models in the range.
Toyota Yaris Cross
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the first light SUV from Australia’s top-selling brand, Toyota. It is the smallest SUV in Toyota’s range, sitting below the popular RAV4 and C-HR in size, price and features. Its nearest rival is the Mazda CX-3, followed by the Volkswagen T-Cross, Kia Stonic, Hyundai Venue and Ford Puma.
There are three equipment levels in the Yaris Cross range – GX, GXL and Urban – and all are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is optional on 2WD variants and standard on AWD variants.
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Prices start from $26,990 for the Yaris Cross GX 2WD petrol and top out at $37,990 for the Yaris Cross Urban AWD Hybrid. The model we’re testing here is the GX 2WD Hybrid priced at $28,990 – all before on-road costs.
The GX grade gets halogen headlights, whereas the GXL and Urban get higher-quality LED headlights. The GX gets LED tail-lights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and rear LED fog lamps, auto-folding electric mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and remote central locking.
Interior Comfort
Mazda CX-3
A hallmark of the Maxx Sport LE grade is the leatherette and synthetic suede upholstery. While the cream and tan combination won’t be to everyone’s liking, and the synthetic leather material isn’t the best-feeling product out there, the upholstery combines to present an interior that looks more upmarket than the car’s price would suggest.
That said, the cabin design itself is looking a little tired in 2021. The small infotainment screen protruding from the dash looks out of place, the basic part-LCD instrument cluster looks past its use-by date, and there is no digital speed readout, which is a miss in this day and age.
The front row is a nice place to sit for the most part, with a comfortable driving position aiding outward visibility. Legroom is a bit tight due to the wider centre console, but with that there’s a good amount of storage between the two seats so that trade-off is welcomed.
The seats are comfortable and plush, though they lack support in the upper shoulder region, which annoys through corners.
Things get worse in the back row, as you’re forced to straddle the front seats with your legs due to the lack of rear legroom. It’s easily one of the worst cars in its segment for rear seat space and comfort – something to keep in mind if you regularly have friends and family through the car.
There’s not a lot of space to store items either, just a sole map pocket and a slot in the door card to cater to a singular water bottle.
The small amount of storage space is mirrored in the boot, which offers a paltry 264L (Mazda claims), whereas some competitors contain over 400L of space. Under the boot floor is a space-saver spare wheel.
The seats do split-fold to afford 1174L overall, and the CX-3 comes with an easy-load false floor, but if you’re wanting to cart around more than a few shopping bags, you’re in for a frustrating time.
Materials around the cabin are largely good quality, save for the dash top and door cards that are a hard plastic – not comfortable to rest upon.
The leather-bound steering wheel feels great and controls a number of radio and gauge functions.
Toyota Yaris Cross
The Toyota Yaris Cross is 240mm longer, 70mm wider and 85mm taller than the Yaris hatchback, which means it is a lot roomier inside. The hip point is also 20mm higher, which makes getting in and out easier, although the back doors are narrow enough to make exiting a challenge for less flexible members of society.
The driving position is good thanks to a multi-adjustable seat and steering wheel combination. The leather steering wheel itself is quite small – some may call it sporty – and has the usual array of buttons for adjusting the cruise control and audio system. The tactility of these buttons is not great unless you push them dead centre.
Driver vision is also good forward and to the side, though some might find the smallish rear window like looking through a postbox.
The GX grade gets fabric seats, vanity mirror on the driver’s sun visor only (not illuminated), an LCD instrument cluster with 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument binnacle, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment display mounted centrally on the dashboard, single-zone climate-control air-conditioning, push-button start, electric windows with one-touch up and down on the driver’s side, Bluetooth connectivity with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and DAB digital radio.
The 7.0-inch colour touchscreen houses sound system controls, as well as buttons for interacting with the car’s trip computer and efficiency meters and connected mobile phones.
There are a number of other buttons around the cabin, including six blanks to remind you that you’re missing features fitted to other Yaris Cross grades.
One handy little feature is the small storage tray immediately under the touchscreen, which is ideal for phones, sunglasses, parking cards, house keys and the like.
The back seats are capable of accommodating three kids or two adults with good legroom behind the front seats and decent foot-space underneath. Headroom is also not an issue for six-footers. The middle seat backrest folds down to be a central armrest when needed and has two cupholders to complement the cupholders and pockets in each back door. The front passenger seat also has a seat-back map pocket.
There are no air vents or USB sockets for back seat passengers. There are three baby seat tethers plus ISOFIX anchors on the two outboard back seats.
Boot space is 390L with the back seats in place, which is 120L more than the Yaris hatchback, 126L more than the Mazda CX-3, but 20L less than the Ford Puma. In its standard configuration, there’s only 314L because an additional 76L hides in a 12cm-deep basement below a split-lifting false floor.
This is unique to the 2WD, with all-wheel drive models capped at 314L. Below that basement floor hides a space-saver spare tyre.
The cargo blind is flimsy like a sunshade, meaning it’s fine for hiding what’s in your boot, but useless as a cargo shelf for anything heavier than a scarf. It can be folded up and stored when not in use.
Closing the boot requires a bit of effort, which is not always easy to apply using the built-in handholds, especially on cold mornings.
At a glance | 2021 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport LE | 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid |
Seats | Five | Five |
Boot volume | 264L | 390L |
Length | 4275mm | 4180mm |
Width | 1765mm | 1765mm |
Height | 1535mm | 1590mm |
Wheelbase | 2570mm | 2560mm |
Turning circle | 10.6m | 10.6m |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mazda CX-3
All Mazda CX-3s come with a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen. It runs Mazda's older-generation MZD Connect software, though it’s still one of the easiest systems to become accustomed to thanks to both touch input and a rotary controller.
The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, though you must connect your phone with a cable. Wireless charging is beginning to be offered in some rivals as standard, but the Mazda does not include that feature.
For its age, the CX-3 has kept pace well with the segment, though the various infotainment functions and screens are starting to look a generation old.
Toyota Yaris Cross
The Yaris Cross has a basic level of infotainment features, mostly accessible through the centrally mounted 7.0-inch touchscreen. Digital radio is standard playing through a six-speaker sound system.
There is a single USB connection in the centre stack, along with a 12-volt DC port. Phones can be connected via USB or Bluetooth, and operated independently or through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when plugged into the USB.
Satellite navigation is not fitted to the GX grade. It’s on GXL and Urban grades only.
Safety
Mazda CX-3
Mazda fits both passive and active safety systems to the CX-3 Maxx Sport LE including six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, reversing camera, rear cross-traffic alert, auto headlights, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
It last scored a full five stars from ANCAP in 2015. Testing has become even more stringent by today’s standards, and the CX-3 would may not score the same five-star rating if tested today. That said, it’s unlikely to be re-tested until a new generation comes along.
Toyota Yaris Cross
The Yaris Cross has not been tested by ANCAP yet, so it does not have a star rating. We would expect it to earn five stars given that every Toyota tested since 2011 has earned that rating.
All Yaris Cross grades have eight airbags, including a first-in-class front centre airbag that guards against lateral contact between the driver and front passenger in a crash.
Active safety features – what Toyota calls Toyota Safety Sense – includes a pre-collision safety system that includes autonomous emergency braking with day/night pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane-trace assist, emergency steering assist, lane-departure alert, daytime intersection turn assist, road sign assist and adaptive radar cruise control.
The GX does not get blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert, both of which are reserved for GXL and Urban grades.
The Yaris Cross GX has the Toyota Connected Services facility, which automatically places an emergency call in a serious collision.
Value for Money
Mazda CX-3
Despite its age and lack of contemporary features, the Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport LE's lower $27,640 (list price, before on road costs) tip-in point is attractive. That said, you're getting older drivetrain technology compared to the Toyota's hybrid powertrain.
In terms of ownership, the Mazda CX-3 must be serviced every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. The first five visits will cost $1775 according to Mazda’s fixed-price servicing schedule.
All Mazdas are sold with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which includes five years of premium roadside assistance.
Toyota Yaris Cross
This is an easy one. The Yaris Cross is currently the only hybrid in Australia’s Light SUV market, which makes it unbeatable value for money if that’s what you’re after.
Many will no doubt see the benefit in buying a hybrid costing $2000 more than a pure petrol equivalent to reduce their fuel bill by $450 per year and reduce emissions.
The Yaris Cross comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. This is extended to seven years if the first five years’ servicing is done on time at an approved Toyota service centre. The hybrid battery has a 10-year warranty.
The service schedule is every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Servicing costs are capped at a very affordable $205 for each of the first five services.
At a glance | 2021 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport LE | 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid |
MSRP | $27,640 | $28,990 |
Options as tested | None | None |
Warranty | Five years / unlimited km | Five years / unlimited km |
Servicing costs | $1053 (3-yr) / $1775 (5-yr) | $615 (3-yr) / $1025 (5-yr) |
Driver Technology
Mazda CX-3
There are few driver technologies on offer from Mazda at this price point, especially in an older model like the CX-3. Aside from the aforementioned active safety features, the Mazda is equipped with start/stop fuel-saving technology, a sports mode for the six-speed gearbox, a regular non-adaptive cruise-control system and rain sensing wipers. Adaptive headlights is a feature reserved for the top-spec CX-3 Akari model only.
Toyota Yaris Cross
The Yaris Cross has a number of active safety features listed above that help the driver stay safe and in their lane while driving. Let's also not forget the petrol/electric hybrid powertrain which is an integral and beneficial part of the Yaris Cross's driver technology suite.
The Yaris Cross can also read speed signs and will beep at you if you exceed the posted speed limit, although this does not actively influence the radar cruise control’s speed setting.
The Yaris Cross GX has auto high beam, rain-sensing wipers and a reversing camera with guidelines.
Powertrain and Performance
Mazda CX-3
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powers the Mazda CX-3 range, outputting 110kW and 195Nm to the front wheels. Even though it’s one of the oldest in its segment, the CX-3’s naturally aspirated powertrain remains one of the most powerful.
There is more than enough power to conquer the daily commute and to travel about town, but the CX-3 will even cater to the open road too. While it may be outdated and inefficient, the naturally aspirated engine and torque converter gearbox is a great pairing in this application. It responds quickly to throttle inputs and has enough torque to pull away from a set of lights confidently.
On the downside, it’s a particularly noisy engine – especially on cold start. Despite Mazda’s best efforts to curb noise levels during a model-year update a few years ago, engine sounds still make their way into the cabin, which can get tiresome.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Press the start button and the Yaris Cross Hybrid starts silently, leveraging its electric power to get you out of your driveway. The petrol engine kicks in from time to time to keep itself lubricated and jumps in quickly once you’re on the road, providing a decent amount of acceleration for this 1215kg mini-SUV.
The 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine produces 67kW and 120Nm. A pair of electric motors make for a combined output of 85kW said to propel the Yaris Cross from rest to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.
The hybrid system is smart and seamless in how it shifts from electric to petrol to hybrid modes, but it’s always noticeable because the petrol engine is not that quiet or refined. It is a three-cylinder unit, so no surprise it can be thrummy and you will feel the vibrations inside – soft but perceptible. Some may like this character, while some may find it unrefined.
Overall, the CVT/hybrid powertrain is competent but uninspiring. If you prefer the sound of engine revs changing and gearchanges, then make sure you buy a petrol 2WD or hybrid AWD, instead of the hybrid 2WD, which have paddles on the steering wheel to give you access to 10 set ratios to mimic gears. Or maybe we should just get over our love of engine sounds in preparation for the silent electric future.
Key details | 2021 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport LE | 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid |
Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol | 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol hybrid |
Power | 110kW @ 6000rpm | 85kW @ 5500rpm |
Torque | 195Nm @ 2800rpm | 120Nm @ 3800-4800pm |
Weight (tare) | 1215kg | 1215kg |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
Transmission | Six-speed automatic | CVT |
Tow rating | 1200kg (braked) | 400kg / 400kg |
Power to weight ratio | 90.5kW/t | 70kW/t |
Energy Efficiency
Mazda CX-3
Mazda has specified that the CX-3 can run on 91-octane fuel. It also claims that the CX-3 uses 6.3L/100km fuel, though we found our on-test recordings to be higher at 7.4L/100km.
On more of a rural test, we’d expect that figure to come down somewhat, though with a (relatively) large engine there’s no hiding the fact that the CX-3 uses more fuel than some of its smaller-capacity adversaries.
Toyota Yaris Cross
There are four drive modes – Power, Eco, Normal and EV mode. The first three adjust throttle sensitivity and CVT ratio selection to prioritise efficiency or performance. The fourth – EV mode – uses electricity to move the car until battery charge drops too low or the driver’s throttle pressure exceeds the electric motor’s ability to deliver.
Fuel economy during our time together saw a best of 3.9L/100km and a worst of 4.3L/100km. That’s pretty close to Toyota’s claim of 3.8L/100km.
The Yaris Cross Hybrid runs on 91-octane regular unleaded fuel and has a 36L tank.
The 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster has an ECO driving score page to keep you focused on minimising fuel use and maximising mileage. It also has the usual array of trip computers, audio settings and energy monitor.
At a glance | 2021 Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport LE | 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid |
Fuel consumption (claimed combined) | 6.3L/100km | 3.8L/100km |
Fuel consumption (on test) | 7.4L/100km | 4.1L/100km |
Fuel tank size | 48L | 36L |
Ride and Handling
Mazda CX-3
Around bends, the CX-3 controls its 1215kg weight (tare) more like a hatchback than an SUV, which makes for a good showing on sweeping rural roads. However, the ride lacks polish in town where sharp-edged bumps reverberate around the cabin. It’s by no means bad enough to become a problem, but when you’re shopping in such a populated segment, hairs must be split.
Its progressive, natural steering feel is forgiving on the open road, but the set-up lacks the darty directness that some shoppers look for in the small-SUV market.
Toyota Yaris Cross
I’ll admit, I was surprised at how well the Yaris Cross handles itself. This is no hot hatch, not even a warm one, but it is light-footed and enjoyable to drive. The electric steering is light but has substance, and the 16-inch Bridgestone Turanzas provide decent grip in the dry and the wet. The Yaris Cross’s 10mm-longer wheelbase and 35mm-wider front and rear track give it a tangibly bigger footprint than the Yaris hatch too.
The Yaris Cross’s suspension keeps bodyroll under control in bends. The trade-off for this is a more reactive suspension tune that doesn’t glide over the road’s imperfections, rather it rides them out. So you feel pretty much everything, especially sharper ridges that can crash noisily through. It’s a busier ride than expected from 65-series tyres.
The Yaris Cross’s 10.6m turning circle is on par with rivals like the Mazda CX-3 (10.6m) and Ford Puma (10.4m).
Fit for Purpose
Mazda CX-3
In terms of driver enjoyment, the CX-3 fares better than most as a small SUV. Its strong engine is entertaining to pedal around town, and will even see you motoring along open roads easily.
But more shoppers at this pricepoint prioritise interior space and technology over driving dynamics. It’s not a viable option for transporting people, especially on longer trips, and its infotainment package feels a generation behind.
Toyota Yaris Cross
You’ll get no arguments here. The Toyota Yaris Cross GX Hybrid delivers on its promise very well. We have a few minor quibbles, such as key active safety features being reserved for higher grades, but nothing to stop us from giving the Yaris Cross the thumbs-up.
Conclusion
There’s no denying Toyota’s ability to nail the needs of mainstream Australia. Practical, well-equipped, strong on safety, easy to drive and affordable to own. The Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid ticks all those boxes. As the only hybrid in its class, there’s no direct rival to cross-shop either.
Despite its age, the Mazda CX-3 has managed to push through into 2021 with a good set of base features and functionality. It’s also equipped with one of the better engines in the class if a little loud and unrefined.
While it lacks some of the new technology and features that have become commonplace in 2021, its $30,490 drive-away asking price is easy to stomach – especially with the new stylish LE upgrades such as the leatherette upholstery. It set a high benchmark five years ago as a strong small-car package, though there is an increasing number of rivals encroaching on its achievements today.
In this comparison, though, the Toyota Yaris Cross is incrementally ahead of the Mazda CX-3 in too many ways to ignore.
Despite the Mazda’s upmarket leather-like interior, the equipment within is not a match for the Yaris Cross. Cabin room and luggage space are also wins to the Yaris, as is fuel efficiency from its frugal hybrid powertrain.
On safety, the Yaris has a superior airbag count, more extensive active safety suite, and more advanced AEB. Lastly, the Yaris is also considerably cheaper to service during the first five years of ownership.
But it just goes to show how right Mazda got the formula when it launched the CX-3 that it remains a strong competitor even to this day.