2025 Toyota C-HR vs. 2025 Mazda CX-3
Compact SUVs continue to dominate the market for drivers who value versatility, efficiency, and bold styling. Among the top contenders this year are the 2025 Toyota C-HR and the 2025 Mazda CX-3. Each brings a unique combination of aesthetic appeal, smart tech, and daily practicality, but their approach to comfort, performance, and safety differs in key ways. If you're in the market for a stylish urban SUV, this comparison will help you determine which model better fits your needs.
Design & Style
The 2025 Toyota C-HR enters a new generation with a futuristic design overhaul. Its aggressive “hammerhead” front fascia, slim LED headlights, and coupe-inspired roofline give it an unmistakable road presence. Standout trim options, including the new Orange Edition, add sporty flair with features like a panoramic roof and ambient lighting. The interior is just as progressive, offering a minimalist yet upscale layout that prioritizes driver engagement and passenger comfort.
In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-3 remains a compact SUV with sporty lines and a refined silhouette shaped by Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy. It has a more conservative appearance compared to the C-HR but maintains a sleek, premium look that appeals to traditionalists. The CX-3's interior emphasizes simplicity and elegance with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout, but it lacks the vibrant flair and unique styling touches found in the C-HR.
Technology & Safety
Inside the 2025 C-HR, you’ll find an advanced technology suite that integrates seamlessly into daily driving. Features such as wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a head-up display, and customizable ambient lighting enhance convenience and user experience. On the safety front, Toyota equips every C-HR with the latest Toyota Safety Sense™ suite, including a driver monitor camera, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and adaptive LED headlights to support situational awareness.
The 2025 Mazda CX-3 also includes a solid tech package, with a responsive touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone compatibility, and intuitive controls. Safety-wise, it features blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking support. While effective, its systems feel more conventional compared to the C-HR’s cutting-edge features, and it lacks some of the advanced driver-assist technologies that come standard on the C-HR.
Performance
Toyota’s 2025 C-HR offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, catering to drivers who value both efficiency and performance. The PHEV variant delivers up to 220 horsepower and can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.4 seconds, offering responsive acceleration for city and highway driving. With an EV-only range of around 41 miles, the plug-in version adds further fuel savings for short daily commutes.
Mazda’s CX-3 uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine that produces 110 kW (approximately 147 hp). Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers reliable performance for everyday driving. While smooth and efficient, it doesn’t offer the same hybrid versatility or torque-rich response as the C-HR, making it less suitable for those looking for more dynamic or eco-friendly performance options.
The Bottom Line
Both the 2025 Toyota C-HR and 2025 Mazda CX-3 bring strong value to the compact SUV segment, but they serve slightly different audiences. The C-HR stands out for its bold design, advanced technology, and electrified powertrain options, appealing to those who want a forward-thinking vehicle that doesn’t compromise on features. Its modern safety tech and upscale interior further position it as a well-rounded urban SUV.
The CX-3 remains a dependable option for drivers who appreciate subtle styling, a refined driving experience, and solid build quality. However, it lacks some of the innovation and versatility offered by its Toyota counterpart. If you're seeking a more cutting-edge vehicle with expanded electrified performance and safety innovation, the C-HR leads in those categories.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
Ready to experience the 2025 Toyota C-HR firsthand? Schedule your test drive with Interstate Toyota, where our expert team is here to walk you through all the features and options available. Whether you're interested in the hybrid or plug-in model, we’ll help you find the trim that fits your lifestyle best. Contact us today or stop by our showroom in Airmont to explore what the future of compact SUVs looks like. Let us get you behind the wheel of something exciting.