BYD Atto 3 vs Mazda CX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 3 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $43,989 respectively.
The BYD Atto 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 3 and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 3 and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Atto 3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Atto 3 and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 3 stands out with Dirac audio that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 252Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 120mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 3 and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the BYD Atto 3 a 2L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The BYD Atto 3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Atto 3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The BYD Atto 3 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 3 and Mazda CX-5?
The BYD Atto 3 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-5 uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Atto 3 and Mazda CX-5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 3 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Atto 3 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Atto 3 makes the most power at 150kW. The BYD Atto 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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