In the Malaysian SUV market, many buyers compare Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Santa Fe when choosing a car. These two models are quite close in price and positioning. Today, we will conduct a detailed comparison from multiple aspects to save you the time doing research.
Mazda CX-3 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.
Hyundai Santa Fe OTR price 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.
From a price perspective, the starting price of Mazda CX-3 is indeed RM 98,841 cheaper than Hyundai Santa Fe. If your budget is limited, Mazda's entry-level version is sufficient for daily needs. However, keep in mind that the few thousand RM difference might imply trade-offs in equipment, depending on your specific requirements.

Mazda CX-3 Safety rating is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), Active safety system includes i-Activsense.
Hyundai Santa Fe Safety rating is TBD, Active safety system includes Basic.
In terms of safety features, both cars received good ratings. However, there are some differences between Mazda CX-3's i-Activsense and Hyundai Santa Fe's Basic in functionality. If you value active safety, you can compare the feature lists of both.

Mazda CX-3 Body length 4500 mm, Trunk 450 L.
Hyundai Santa Fe Body length 4400 mm, Trunk 400 L.
Regarding space, Mazda CX-3's body is 100 mm longer than Hyundai Santa Fe, interior seating space is slightly more spacious, especially rear legroom. If you frequently carry family or need to fit a stroller, a slightly larger body is indeed more practical.

Mazda CX-3 Warranty 5 Years/150,000km, Maintenance Interval Every 10,000km or 6 Months.
Hyundai Santa Fe Warranty 5 Years/300,000km, Maintenance Interval Every 10,000km or 6 Months.

Both 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, prioritize the one with better reputation. If you care more about price-performance ratio and equipment, choose the one with richer configuration. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both, as personal experience is most important.

Overall, both Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Santa Fe are excellent models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose depends 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 matter, spending time on research is never wrong.