Dodge Caliber vs Mazda Mazda2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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 12 Sep 2026, price 24 Jun 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.
Dodge Caliber: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, warranty and fuel consumption, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$22,990RRP
- with the Dodge Caliber's standard kit: $22,990 (nothing to add)
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
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Dodge Caliber
- REC-000205 · published 4 Jul 2019The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) may be configured incorrectly, preventing the headlamp leveling system from operating properly.Year range on the notice: 2006 - 2010
- REC-000197 · published 17 Oct 2016The models specified may experience loss of air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment capability in certain crash events due to a shorting condition resulting in a negative voltage transient that travels to the Occupant Restraint Controller (“ORC”) via the front impact sensor wires.Year range on the notice: 2009 - 2014
Mazda Mazda2
- 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-000892 · published 27 Sep 2019The vehicle's fuel tank may exceed the specified manufacturing dimensions and place additional strain on the fuel tank retaining strap, which may weaken or potentially break.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-000875 · published 11 Feb 2018On some vehicles, the shape of the teeth on the parking brake sector gear may not meet specification.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2018
- 4 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda Mazda2 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Dodge Caliber lines up producing 115kW and 190Nm of torque, sent through a constantly variable transmission (cvt) to a FWD layout.
The Mazda Mazda2 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 142Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Dodge Caliber has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Dodge Caliber measures 4,415mm long on a 2,635mm wheelbase, 330mm longer than the Mazda Mazda2 at 4,085mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Dodge Caliber generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 352L in the Dodge Caliber and 250L in the Mazda Mazda2, giving the Dodge Caliber a 102L advantage.
For towing, the Dodge Caliber leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m 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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Dodge Caliber if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Dodge's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (39 vs 71). The Dodge Caliber and Mazda Mazda2 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Dodge Caliber has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Dodge Caliber and Mazda Mazda2?
The Mazda Mazda2 is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda2 uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Dodge Caliber and Mazda Mazda2 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Dodge Caliber has the largest boot at 352L with the seats up (1,013L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Dodge Caliber has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Dodge Caliber makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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