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.
Data checked: specs 31 Aug 2026, price 14 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$39,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$39,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-5 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 3 and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the BYD Atto 3 and 90% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Atto 3, against 5 on the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
BYD Atto 3
- REC-005579 · published 22 Dec 2022BYD is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall on all affected vehicles.Year range on the notice: 2022
Mazda CX-5
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000898 · published 19 Mar 2020The daytime running lights (DRL) may flicker or fail to illuminate while driving.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- REC-000894 · published 10 Oct 2019The affected vehicles may accumulate carbon deposits in the intake shutter valve, in addition to premature wear of certain engine components.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2018
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
49.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 70kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 70kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-inch digital dash, 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 wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, V2L and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Atto 3 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-5 offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the BYD Atto 3 and 2-zone in the Mazda CX-5.
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 7.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, 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 132kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Atto 3 is 0.8s 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, 235mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,690mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 3 and 466L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 26L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda CX-5: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 74
The Mazda CX-5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 74), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 19), practicality (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 12), safety (BYD Atto 3 ahead by 6). 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 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: 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 Mazda CX-5 has the largest boot at 466L with the seats up (1,594L with the seats folded).
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 7.9s.
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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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