Mazda 6 vs Hyundai Sonata
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
Mazda 6
From $29,740
Sedan
Petrol
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT
125kW
8.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
519L
Hyundai Sonata
From $29,990
Sedan
Petrol
—
138kW
8.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda 6 starts from $29,740 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $29,990. That makes the Mazda 6 the more affordable entry point by $250.
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 $32,714 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 0 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda 6 and 6 in the Hyundai Sonata.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
Drivetrain
The Mazda 6 uses a 2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT producing 125kW and 226Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual / 5-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Sonata lines up making 138kW and 241Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 138kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda 6 measures 4,735mm long on a 2,725mm wheelbase, 120mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,855mm (2,805mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda 6 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m 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 10.9m 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 $2,394/year for the Mazda 6 and $2,366/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Sonata.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Mazda 6) vs $2,366 (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai Sonata saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda 6) vs 5 years (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai Sonata has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda 6 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Sonata takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Hyundai Sonata will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. The Hyundai Sonata adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata?
The Mazda 6 is the cheapest at $29,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Sonata by $250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Sonata uses the least fuel at 8.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda 6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Sonata has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 138kW.
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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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