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.
Data checked: specs 7 Aug 2026, price 8 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.
$29,740RRP
- no option data for this car
$57,000RRP
- with the Mazda 6's standard kit: $57,000 (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
The Mazda 6 starts from $29,740 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $57,000. That makes the Mazda 6 the more affordable entry point by $27,260.
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 $62,700 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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
Mazda 6
- 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
- REC-000879 · published 20 Feb 2017On the driver’s seat of the affected vehicles, it is possible that the Seat Height Adjustment Lifter Link may crack, or the Lifter Link Retaining Nuts may separate.Year range on the notice: 2007 - 2012
- REC-000872 · published 12 Sep 2016On the affected vehicles, an inappropriate type of paint has been used on the end-cap of the external body of the Liftgate Stay Dampers (struts).Year range on the notice: 2008 - 2016
- 1 more on the model page.
Hyundai Sonata
- REC-006589 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-005607 · published 24 Jan 2023Due to a programming issue, the “fail-safe” driving mode may not respond as intended when certain transmission faults are detected.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005043 · published 19 Jan 2022Due to a software issue with the Smart Junction Box (SJB) the turn signal may activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intended.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2016
- 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 Hyundai Sonata counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda 6 gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai Sonata offers suede & nappa leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda 6 and 2-zone in the Hyundai Sonata.
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 responds with a Petrol making 213kW and 422Nm, paired to a 8-speed wet dual-clutch (dct) driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW 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, 175mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,910mm (2,840mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 519L in the Mazda 6 and 480L in the Hyundai Sonata, giving the Mazda 6 a 39L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m 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 $2,309/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Sonata.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda 6) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai Sonata has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda 6 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, 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 CarSorted Score calls this a draw (60 vs 69). The Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Hyundai Sonata will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda 6 has a clear edge. The Hyundai Sonata 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, Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata?
The Mazda 6 is the cheapest at $29,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Sonata by $27,260.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Sonata uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mazda 6 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Hyundai Sonata, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda 6 has the largest boot at 519L with the seats up.
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 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 213kW.
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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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