Ford Mondeo vs Mazda Mazda3
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.
Ford Mondeo
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
2.0L EcoBoost GTDi, 4-cylinder inline turbo petrol, twin independent variable cam timing
177kW
8.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
557L
Mazda Mazda3
From $26,490
Hatchback
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation
114kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
295L
Ford Mondeo: we're still completing price, wheelbase, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
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.
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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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Mondeo stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda Mazda3 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Ford Mondeo gets leather accented upholstery while the Mazda Mazda3 offers black cloth.
Drivetrain
The Ford Mondeo uses a 2.0L EcoBoost GTDi, 4-cylinder inline turbo petrol, twin independent variable cam timing producing 177kW and 345Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels.
The Ford Mondeo has the clear power advantage at 177kW vs 114kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Mondeo measures 4,871mm long, 411mm longer than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,725mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 557L in the Ford Mondeo and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Ford Mondeo a 262L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,423/year for the Ford Mondeo and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Warranty: 5 years (Ford Mondeo) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Mondeo if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Mondeo takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Mondeo 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, Ford Mondeo and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Ford Mondeo holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda Mazda3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Mondeo has the largest boot at 557L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Mondeo has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Mondeo makes the most power at 177kW.
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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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