In the SUV market in Malaysia, many buyers compare the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Tucson when choosing a car. These two cars are quite close in price and positioning, so today we will make a detailed comparison from multiple aspects to help you save time on research.
The OTR price for the Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia is RM 126,159 - 139,159, with 2 versions in total, including the 2023 2.0L High (RM 139,159), 2023 2.0L Plus (RM 126,159), etc.
The OTR price for the Hyundai Tucson in Malaysia is RM 143,888 - 197,888, with 5 versions in total, including the 2025 HEV 1.6T AT 2WD Prestige (RM 197,888), 2025 1.6T DCT 4WD Prestige (RM 186,888), 2025 1.6T DCT 2WD Prime (RM 164,888), etc.
Looking at the price, the starting price of the Mazda CX-3 is indeed RM 17,729 cheaper than the Hyundai Tucson. If your budget is limited, the entry-level Mazda version can already meet daily needs. However, note that the few thousand ringgit savings might involve trade-offs in features, depending on your specific requirements.

The safety rating of the Mazda CX-3 is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), and the active safety system includes i-Activsense.
The safety rating of the Hyundai Tucson is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), and the active safety system includes SmartSense.
Both cars have the same safety rating, and safety features are quite comprehensive for this class. New cars generally have good safety standards these days, so there is no need to worry too much about this point.

The Mazda CX-3 uses FWD drivetrain.
The Hyundai Tucson uses FWD drivetrain.
Both cars use the same drivetrain, both are FWD, so there shouldn't be much difference in the daily driving experience.

The Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Tucson are both mainstream choices in the Malaysian market, suitable for family use and daily commuting. If you value brand reputation and resale value more, you can prioritize the one with a better reputation; if you care more about value for money and features, then choose the one with richer configurations. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both, as experiencing it personally is the most important thing.

In general, the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Tucson are both very good models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose mainly depends on your personal needs and budget. We suggest you do your homework, compare quotes from several dealerships, and then test drive to make the final decision. Buying a car is a major decision, and spending time on research will definitely not go wrong.