CR-V vs CX-3: Ultimate Buying Guide for Honda and Mazda

In Malaysia's SUV market, many buyers compare Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-3 when choosing a car.

Price and Versions

Honda CR-V's OTR price in Malaysia is RM 178,200 - 195,900, with a total of 4 versions, including 2026 e:HEV 2.0L 2WD RS (RM 195,900), 2026 1.5T 4WD V (RM 181,900), 2026 e:HEV 2.0L 2WD E (RM 178,200), etc.

Mazda CX-3's OTR price in Malaysia is RM 126,159 - 139,159, with a total of 2 versions, including 2023 2.0L High (RM 139,159), 2023 2.0L Plus (RM 126,159), etc.

From a price perspective, the starting price of Mazda CX-3 is RM 52,041 cheaper than Honda CR-V. Honestly, in this price range, a difference of a few thousand isn't really significant; the key is to look at overall cost-performance and long-term usage costs.

Safety Features

Honda CR-V's safety rating is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), active safety systems include Honda SENSING (ACC, CMBS, LKAS, RDM).

Mazda CX-3's safety rating is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), active safety systems include i-Activsense.

Both cars have the same safety rating, and safety features are quite comprehensive in this segment. New cars nowadays generally have good safety, so there's no need to worry too much about this point.

Maintenance and Service

Honda CR-V warranty 5 years/unlimited mileage, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Mazda CX-3 warranty 5 years/150,000km, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Who is this suitable for?

Both Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-3 are mainstream choices in the Malaysian market, suitable for family use and daily commuting. If you value brand reputation and resale value more, prioritize the one with better reputation; if you care more about cost-performance and features, choose the one with richer configuration. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both, as personal experience is the most important.

Summary

Overall, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-3 are both quite good models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose depends on your personal needs and budget. It is recommended to do your homework, compare quotes from multiple dealerships, and then test drive to make a final decision. Buying a car is a big matter, spending some time doing research will never be wrong.