In Malaysia's SUV market, many buyers compare the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Santa Fe when choosing a car. These two models are quite close in price and positioning. 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 a total of 2 versions, including 2023 2.0L High (RM 139,159), 2023 2.0L Plus (RM 126,159), etc.
The OTR price for the Hyundai Santa Fe in Malaysia is RM 225,000 - 270,000, with a total of 3 versions, including 2025 2.5T DCT 4WD Calligraphy 6 Seats (RM 270,000), 2025 HEV 1.6T AT 2WD Prestige 7 Seats (RM 245,000), 2025 HEV 1.6T AT 2WD Prime 7 Seats (RM 225,000), etc.
Looking at the price, the starting price of the Mazda CX-3 is indeed RM 98,841 cheaper than the Hyundai Santa Fe. If your budget is limited, the Mazda entry-level version can already meet daily needs. However, note that the few thousand difference might involve trade-offs in features, depending on your specific requirements.

The Mazda CX-3 body length is 4500 mm, with a trunk capacity of 450 L.
The Hyundai Santa Fe body length is 4400 mm, with a trunk capacity of 400 L.
In terms of space, the Mazda CX-3 body is 100 mm longer than the Hyundai Santa Fe, offering slightly more interior passenger space, especially legroom in the rear seats. If you often carry family members or need to fit a stroller, the larger body is indeed more practical.

Mazda CX-3 warranty is 5 years/150,000km, service interval every 10,000km or 6 months.
Hyundai Santa Fe warranty is 5 years/300,000km, service interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Both the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Santa Fe are mainstream choices in the Malaysian market, suitable for family use and daily commuting. If you value brand reputation and resale value more, you might prioritize the one with better reputation; if you care more about cost-performance and features, choose the one with richer configurations. Ultimately, we recommend test driving both, as personal experience is the most important.

Overall, the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Santa Fe are both excellent car models in the Malaysian market. Choosing which one depends mainly on your personal needs and budget. We suggest doing your homework, comparing quotes from several dealerships, and then test driving to make the final decision. Buying a car is a big deal, spending time researching will never be wrong.