JAC T9 vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
JAC T9
From $42,662
Ute
Diesel
Turbo-diesel
125kW
7.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Mazda MX-5
From $41,520
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G)
135kW
6.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
130L
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Price Breakdown
The JAC T9 starts from $42,662 before on-road costs, while the Mazda MX-5 opens at $41,520. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $1,142.
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 $46,928 and $45,672 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda MX-5 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
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
The JAC T9 features a 10.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda MX-5 gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The JAC T9 stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the JAC T9 gets leather upholstery while the Mazda MX-5 offers black cloth with synthetic suede.
Drivetrain
The JAC T9 uses a Turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 410Nm of torque, sent through a 8at to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) making 135kW and 205Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 125kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 5.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The JAC T9 measures 5,330mm long on a 3,110mm wheelbase, 1415mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the JAC T9 generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 13.0m
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m 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 $2,166/year for the JAC T9 and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Warranty: 7 years (JAC T9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5). The JAC T9 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 7yr (JAC T9)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the JAC T9 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer JAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. The JAC T9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, JAC T9 and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs. That undercuts the JAC T9 by $1,142.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
JAC T9 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda MX-5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The JAC T9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The JAC T9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda MX-5 makes the most power at 135kW. The Mazda MX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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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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