Suzuki Vitara vs Mazda CX-3 vs Hyundai Venue 2020 comparison review

The small SUV segment is busier now than ever before and choosing your new compact high-rider is going to be difficult.
This is a huge segment, with more than 20 different SUVs to choose from, including models like the three we have here - the Hyundai Venue Active, Suzuki Vitara and Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport. These ones aim to offer that SUV stance at a budget price and in a city-friendly size.
We’ve assembled these three pint-sized SUVs based on their comparative dimensions and the dollars being asked for them. But they have some other common elements: all three are petrol powered, automatic, and front wheel drive - we’re not talking off-roaders here, as these are aimed at buyers who spend a lot of time around town.
Now, let’s check out our contenders in a bit more detail, and see how they compare against one another. This will be a close test.
We aimed to get these three models as close to one another on cost as we could - sadly, we couldn’t get the exact equivalent CX-3 to match the others on list price (it would be the Neo Sport, not the Maxx Sport), but here’s how they compare on price as tested.
The Hyundai Venue Active is the most affordable of this mix, priced at $23,490 plus on-road costs with the automatic transmission as specified here. That’s really affordable, but indicative drive-away pricing is $27,240 in Sydney. Premium paint will add a bit to that price.
Next up the pricing tree is the Suzuki Vitara 2WD, which doesn’t have a Active name like the others here. It costs $24,490 plus on-road costs, though drive-away pricing is set at just $24,990 for this automatic version - yeah, that’s a bargain. Metallic paint is extra.
And most expensive, as mentioned, is the Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport, which has a list price of $26,650 plus on-road costs for the petrol automatic 2WD Vitara. Drive-away pricing is pegged at $28,540 for this spec, but only two of the colours cost extra. A Neo Sport would have been closer on list price ($24,710), but we think you might be able to find some wiggle room at the dealership on these suggested prices.
Keep those prices and specs in mind, plus the media screens and connectivity on offer in each of these models… and then there’s the safety equipment fitted, which also factors into value for money. But this is pretty close between these three, especially if you keep drive-away prices in mind.
You will Suzuki your own decisions about what your needs and requirements are. You might just be sold on the appearance of one of these models, or you might be sold on the ownership promise, or the value, or the safety equipment.
And it’s no surprise that the result of this test very, very close.
It’s a lack of advanced safety gear that lets the Suzuki Vitara 2WD down in this test. If it had the same tech you get in the Vitara above (or either of its rivals), it would have been our winner in this test. But we ruled it out based on its lax safety tech offering, so it comes third.
Second place goes to the Mazda CX-3, which offers exceptional safety gear for the money. But our testers found it was let down by its practicality first and foremost. That might matter to you, or not, but it remains a polished offering in the class.
Our winner in this test is the Hyundai Venue Active. It has attractive pricing and equipment levels, a decent level of safety equipment, a really well packaged and nicely presented interior, and yet it manages to fit all of that into a very compact footprint. If you want a city-friendly SUV, this is a very impressive option.
Read Matt's full review:
Visit our Suzuki Vitara hub: carsgui.de/2Gcbfzv
Visit our Hyundai Venue hub: carsgui.de/2p9G5W9
Visit our Mazda CX-3 hub: carsgui.de/2qxzmV0
Check out our Expert guide: carsgui.de/2IQbbLx
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[@shanestone2349]

Great review, I just put a deposit on the Hyundai Venue, I drove the competition including Kia Stonic, I found the Venue to be the best to drive and have the best interior.

[@ridhwanrevbel1705]

Where is urus ? Not fair

[@darwinstubbie860]

The Vitara lacks the useless features of it's competitor and that is it's strengths. It is a very reliable and fun to drive vehicle.

[@crocmeister6177]

Totally agree... if the Vitara had been specced out a little more it would have wiped the floor in this test...I mean heck they didn't even use the base CX-3.

[@danielmelendez3546]

Mazda CX-3: Nice looks. Suzuki Vitara: Nice engine. Hyundai Venue: Nice meeting you.

[@imanjavahery]

Great review mate! Thank you and your team!

[@jojo9820]

That was awesome thank you I just ordered the 2022 Hyundai venue limited in scarlet red Pearl very excited

[@MajShu]

What do you think about the Skoda Kamiq compared to the Venue and Vitara? I'd appreciate a review.

[@philipwest4553]

I can't help but notice how long the description of driving the Hyundai is compared to the rather short descriptions for the Suzuki and Mazda. Added to that was the almost advertising like praise heaped upon it. Are these *reviews* or ads?

[@timeconstrained2400]

what is the technical problem with the drivers side mirror on the cx-3?

[@claudiastockman8438]

I like this presenter, I'm a 6ft tall woman and I like height and leg space, he presents well for each car, giving personal preference without being overly biased.

[@sendtobarry]

Love Cars Guide - however some glaring but important omissions. Please inlcude - Service costs / capped price service details Roadside Assist programs Warranty period Interior lighting (What the interior looks like at night) Exterior lighting rating. Hope you can accomodate.

[@Grant80]

We looked at the Mazda but dropped it as our baby seats wouldn’t fit which was a major shock.

[@gkblair]

Nice video thanks!

[@michaelflinn7784]

I'm on my second CX3 and love it. Only 2 in the family so the rear seat only used occasionally. Lovely road tripping car and the extra power is a bonus on long trips. Guess what? When I bought the first cx3 it came down to a choice of it and the Vitara. It was head to head but Mazda could deliver sooner so it won out.

[@stevemann3078]

I got to say I agree with the video we just purchased the venue and it is a great SUV it's Nimble and drives very well I find it's not the noisy even on the highway. Celebration is recently good if you need to raise your speed up very fast it will rev High but only for a brief moment it is a good car we enjoy it steering is easy. Very good on gas especially on the highway it is actually very stable even going past 18 wheeler rigs so even in the wind storm it was stable, a very affordable car we got ours for just under $20,000 and we got the extended warranty for 8 years I would recommend the venue if you're not going to use people in the backseat it is very good affordable car,

[@stevemann3078]

One other thing on the venue extended warranty 8 years mileage 160000 km whichever comes first it's a fun car we've been driving it for the last few days easy to turn so if you don't need anybody in the back seat. and you don't need to go very fast from a stop it is good. Fun car to drive on the highway very good gas mileage probably even better than what it says even for City driving but it is fun on the highway,

[@stevemann3078]

I know I'm saying a lot about our venue if you're already above 60 km it does get up to a hundred kilometres quite quickly but if you're from a stop up to about 50 or 60 km. it will struggle to do it very quickly but once you're past 50 km it will go very fast we only tried it at top speed. of 115 km so I'm not sure what the top speed would be we're not trying to find out it's an enjoyable fun affordable car the venue is a good car. you don't have to buy you if your price budget is around 20,000. interest rates on financing are very low even at 96 months 208 payments bi-weekly. You can get the car for under $300 a month Canadian money with extended warranty and taxes included for the venue great small SUV thank you God bless,

[@octap79]

Trying too hard to justify your purchase .....enjoy your car, but you ll never know if it was the best decision

[@rubyp2415]

This review is so in depth and well presented!! Thank you!’

[@pendragonshall]

? no

[@brianwilliams3345]

One thing not mentioned is whether the vehicle has a timing chain or timing belt. Timing belts have to be changed in time/km spec. Very expensive. Timing chains usually don't wear out.

[@jamesszabadics5911]

which models have a timing chain?

[@johnmckay428]

the venue will be perfect for my partner and I and our very small garage. how about a review on car manufacturer warranty? [given ACCC is taking Mazda to court regarding their warranty shenanigans]

[@craigpodsprojames2500]

John McKay it’s a 5 year warranty

[@rancodas1890]

ViTARA the best one there.1. 4x4 all rooad winner 2. less petrol, 3. Fast 4. Ergonomy 5. Moose test vinner 6. Safe

[@petron1954]

Even better in the turbo version which includes the safety equipment missing from the bas model.

[@MVDTKC]

recently test drive a Kona and Cx-3, I find the the Kona brake pedal is a bit too high to reach, sitting through a traffic jam can result in tired and sore calf because i can't rest my heel on the ground while using the brake pedal. unlike CX-3 or Mazda 3 that is way more comfortable to use the brake pedal going through a traffic jam.

[@slayer0390]

the average consumption is a bit off...i own a manual vitara since the summer of 2018...the average fuel economy is the following: urban: 7.5 on a very crowded city, around 7 for a normal city and 4.8-5.2 extra urban at 100 km/h

[@LeaveALikePls]

Forgot to review the materials of the CX....but nonetheless, Great review for including safety. In South Africa it's better to Not have Pedestrian Detection cause you might need to run over a potential hijacker...don't want your car braking then 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@brijeshthakur7847]

Hyundai venue is nice small suv

[@manojmathew8355]

The Venue looks like a toy car than a real car

[@MaidenBklyn]

that's what i love about it!

[@robburcham6289]

excellent review

[@theaverageguyreview]

Going by what reviewed I would have assumed it would be Hyundai, close 2nd Vitara, then the Mazda. Strange that the Mazda was second… Sounded like the Cx5 was bad to drive and had no space (boot and rear seats) and it was the higher spec’ed model… anyways, was good, pretty in-depth.

[@Peppermint1]

Good review but I don't like this kind of talk with "a little more" and "a little less". I'm guessing people use this "a little" expression because don't want to appear too offensive or something? If it really is only "a little" then I guess there is no need to mention the advantage or the issue ? I like talking straight to the point : this engine is more powerful and this steering is less good. Simple as that. It gets the things much more clear.

[@dangermouse3619]

Why haven't you waited till next week to have the Kia Seltos with these? Hmmm🤔 looks a bit sus releasing this test with out the Kia just as it's come out. I think there must be something at play here by one of the car companies wanting this done before the Kia came out.

[@carsguide]

Mate, hold your horses. We chose these three because Venue was new, and these models are more closely matched on size and price. We will have a Kia Seltos comparison later this year against some other big name small SUVs. Stay tuned! Matt

[@davidpearn5925]

Our Vitara turbo FWD is averaging 5/100 over the first 10k on E10 exclusively..........country cruising.

[@rancodas1890]

Vitara aura the best one fast, 4x4, power, safe

[@ddindianis]

I find Hyundai Venue best all-round small SUV.

[@3811eric]

Hyundai Venue wins again. Venue is the easy best pick out of these.

[@StatsReset]

I was all Mazda until I drove the Hyundai venue. Now I can’t choose between the i30 or the venue

[@shazzakhan99]

Who edited this? Music fading in and out randomly? Headings that look like they're wordart from Microsoft word 2007?? Really letting down an excellent reviewer.

[@jeroenjansen2709]

Some people always have something to complain about

[@carsguide]

Thanks for the compliment on my reviewing, but I think the edit is great, and the overwhelming feedback we've had from viewers is that they love the bold graphics. Cheers Matt

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Rolls Royce Cullinan wins!

[@rafffffffffffy]

Notice how he doesn't confirm a result, but does it in "post" editing. Silly comments trying to add Seltos into this comparison, different class of car. But still, the bias shows, under the guise of apples for apples...

[@artivideobup8743]

Just an old version of the Vitara !!! They should have tested the 1.4 boosterjet with savety options. Than the conclusion ot the comparison is different @@@

[@petron1954]

Completely different result and not a significant difference in price.

[@crocmeister6177]

Yep, the 1.4 Boosterjet is a fantastic engine. Same engine as that in the Swift Sport. I would have loved that.

[@michaelflinn7784]

As he said. Price is a consideration.

[@tgml5986]

Mazda is all about looks so they throw practicality and comfort/ space to the side. Too superficial for me, give me a no nonsense, roomy, frugal vitara any day!

[@howieleong5995]

Own a pre facelift 2016 CX-3. Combined driving gives me about 6.2-6.3L/100km. Not bad at all imo.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Kia Seltos , or even closer to these three in price is Kia Cerato (with more passenger room and luggage space)

[@jerrymyahzcat]

If they all have boots that can be modified to increase space then why would you configure for less space? Just leave set up in largest configuration and be done with it.

[@butterflybeginnings]

because largest in liters doesn't mean space efficient. flat space vs extra depth but with a lip can create issues for items requiring flat storage or transport.

[@montyspearo]

1.4t vitara gets better engine and all safety stuff but pay lot more for it. I own 1.4t and drive a 1.6 auto regularly, they are totally different vehicles because of engine. 1.6 is all noise and no go while 1.4t is quick and quiet in normal driving.

[@aarontomp9046]

Funny how reviewer 'go off' cars, features that previously whole reviews would be based around now nowhere to be seen. All Matt can muster regarding the CX-3 interior is the air vents aren't the shape he'd prefer. Matt's Previous CX-3 Comments: "The finishes used in the cabin are top-notch" "The seats are exceptionally comfortable" "The cockpit is nicely presented and feels more prestigious" "The Mazda is the attractive, safety-conscious option" "The Mazda steps things up in terms of front cabin presentation" "The CX-3’s steering is light yet with a pointy nature, meaning it corners with agility"

[@MrBenHaynes]

Everything is relative, the game has progressed with newer models on the market.

[@medoayman9865]

you will not hurt the fabric of the seats but you will hurt your knees 😂

[@professorgimsara2180]

Mg zs should be included

[@matthewblake2258]

Vitara stance is the best

[@pendragonshall]

Those 2 shouldn't even be allowed to be compared to Mazda's shadow. Honestly,, it's Mazda, Toyota and Honda in this and a LOT of markets, period. Pull the Mazda out and compare the other 2 with the nissan garbage or something. I can't believe that something this easily researched isnt' being. These are just ads not honest reviews I do wish Hyundai's reliability would go back up and catch up to the top 3 because at one point it was starting to look like a good lil car.

[@belferragadel2629]

The best SUV in this type is the mazda cx3

[@MrPicky400]

Where is the nissan gtr

[@CaiandtheMoose]

Kia Celtos will be the class leader when it launches. The Skoda Kamiq and VW T-cross will also be good judging by reviews from Europe.

[@jeroenjansen2709]

And why didn't you test this and that model? These comments are useless. Comment on the cars tested.

[@sunilvarmadatla]

Nope.. it is not in same segment and it is cost is much higher than these cars.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@sunilvarmadatla Kia Cerato costs the same and does a better job, just not "on trend" ATM.

[@rancodas1890]

CaiandtheMoose ... pu haa haaa :-))) 🖕🏿

[@ivicaperkovic3289]

They are not same size

[@ijannik788]

Where is the Audi Q8?

[@crocmeister6177]

Sorry but the Hyundai is dog ugly...it looks like something out of Russia in the 70s. Vitara for mine...with the better engine...ie. the 1.4 litre Boosterjet Turbo...totally worth the premium. Even the 1 litre Turbo is better than the 1.6 naturally aspirated. Love my Suzuki! 🤩

[@pyrrhat]

Sorry guys 4x4 Vitara blasts them all, Mazda has very small boot space and Venue is just out of the league, I don't know why it is here instead of Kona. Vitara is the most capable and yielding car here. Mazda is the most beautiful but not the most useful.

[@petermann2288]

Only one winner Suzuki vitara go for 1 litre Szt great price. Other cars mentioned are second best.

[@mrhypo78]

In their top specs, vitara turbo would win 😁

[@carsguide]

Could well be the case... Matt

[@TOFAST4YOUFOOL1]

I agree, I got one, and im getting 5.6 litres urban and motorway driving and its turbo will out perform both cars

[@rancodas1890]

DanBag230 , dosent matter with turbo. Vitara the best Suv.

[@rancodas1890]

CarsGuide ,,, Vitara the best one there.1. 4x4 all rooad winner 2. less petrol use, 3. Fast 4. Ergonomy 5. Moose test vinner 6. Safe

[@EdgarRenje]

"About the same size" - two of them are almost 20 cm longer than the Hyundai.

[@seandohertydoherty5853]

What's with those front light on the Hyundai. Rotten looking car.

[@user-bs5ck2tf7l]

wrong model vitara !! should go up a model !! Best looking car here !!!

[@jaisejacob4516]

wheres the Toyota Hilux

[@goat3674]

#hyundai only and winner. I knew it bias to the sponsor 😄 Get the top of the line vitara all will eat sht

[@myintkyaw6843]

Toyota Landcruiser win!

[@3811eric]

Hyundai Palisade win!!!!!!

[@octap79]

@@3811eric Palisade us like a funeral car. What's wrong with you people??!!

[@jjking2399]

Where is hyundai palisade

[@maralfniqle5092]

Please dont insult the mazda cx3. Test drove the Venue, dismal absolutely dismal performance. Struggles terribly and its so loud in the cabin that you can hardly make conversation

[@grubby5tw]

Yeah, this video is not biased at all ... waste of my time

[@dirk_v]

Mazda CX3 for me. The Suzuki a close second place.

[@lecoze2797]

Vitara all thé way !!!!!!!!

[@tengfeihao5399]

1

[@ppp8488]

And proudly sponsored by Hyundai

[@letsseeif]

at 1.04. "H" is pronounced as "AITCH" not "Haitch" !!!!~!(Google it or check the dictionary.)

[@Coordinator61]

Get a Vitara 1400 turbo automatic. so much better than the 1600 gutless engine. The Hyundia is just ugly.

[@YZJB]

Venue is so so cheap and awful inside and out. Might drive well but for more than an i30 I just couldn’t do it

[@jeroenjansen2709]

i30 is not an SUV. It is more likely that one is in the market for a small SUV rather than a Hyundai for a certain price. The square nose with those outlined headlights do not look good. In white they are not so accenuated. Aestethics are just one of the many considerations when buying a new car, nothing to get overly emotional about.

[@carsguide]

Fair call. Some people just really want an SUV, though. Matt

[@McHardy66]

la Venue no pertenece a ese segmento, debió considerar la Creta

[@ltwlof4967]

seemed very bias. the mazda at 26k should be pitted against the 26k vitara turbo and not the base model. but then again im not getting paid by mazda to make their inferior crapmobile win

[@3811eric]

Love that Venue. Sets the standard of how affordable CUV should be built. Hyundai comes up top again.

[@JOSKO5]

Venue

[@Jam-vb6xn]

Jdm win!!!

[@swanblake]

Just get a Mazda 3 hatch

[@danielmelendez3546]

Something with a little more ground clearance? 3 is a great car, but not so great when facing big speed bumps or road holes.

[@rancodas1890]

Daniel Meléndez , there is only one champions vitara 4x4 aura

[@paulbarnes8175]

This is a Hyundai paid review to promote the Venue. It's the ugliest and least safe yet it had the highest score.

[@shoshananeni]

I wanted Vitara for many years, but decided for Mazda CX-3 - is more reliable. Vitara has technical issues after low kilometres. Mazda last longer! Anyway missing allgrip in mine. Hyundai never, please.

[@charliemontero5217]

Hyundai the best

[@rancodas1890]

😀🖕🏿

[@shanestone2349]

Agreed

[@marcoaguiar3226]

Peugeot 2008 all day long.

[@GregTyson]

And the winner is........Suzuki Ignis

[@carsguide]

Nahhhhh not quite. Matt

[@manojmathew8355]

I am surprised that the suzuki Ignis Is not in the comparison

[@GregTyson]

@@manojmathew8355 Same here mate. The Ignis is a ripper car - would win hands down.

[@mandyjorias9140]

@@GregTyson Are you kidding. The Ignis has a terrible long braking distance (40 metres which is the equivalent to much larger and heavier cars) and no ANCAP rating! I don't mind the look of it but I'm staying clear for those two reasons alone

[@SweetySingh-oz2rb]

Venue looks horrible 😱.But Mazda looks great🤩

[@rancodas1890]

Venue ugly, but the best is Vitara.

[@Suroyfamilia]

That Venue has to be one of the most horrible looking cars in a long time. 🤮

[@seandohertydoherty5853]

Totally agree. Does it come with a balaclava

[@aclmotorsport4420]

Even worse than the Kona

[@Suroyfamilia]

ACL Motorsport for sure, what where they thinking? 🤦‍♂️

[@OsamaVin.Diesel]

I like it

[@ELP1125]

ACL Motorsport kona looks great.

[@lukuscannon9697]

Can you guys please get someone else to do the reviews🙄🙄

[@carsguide]

Like who? Love, Matt

[@lukuscannon9697]

@@carsguide someone's beside you 🤣

[@carsguide]

@@lukuscannon9697 Thanks mate. Love you too. Matt

[@littlerubster]

He's good and you're an imbecile

[@lukuscannon9697]

@@littlerubster he's actually got 0 personality but you know what would I know I'm just an imbecile 🤣

[@aliasunknown6972]

I'll take the Mazda CX-3 over the plastic Hyundai and unreliable Suzuki any day.

[@davidpsenko3554]

Mazda is not even SUV..

[@tgml5986]

Suzuki is the most reliable

[@user-cp1xc8qn9d]

Thanks!