Mazda 6e vs Tesla Model 3
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 3 Oct 2026, price 27 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer 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.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 4 others.
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.
$49,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$45,900RRP
- no option data for this car
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.
Track the Mazda 6e & Tesla Model 3
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda 6e starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $45,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $4,090.
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 $54,989 and $50,490 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda 6e and Tesla Model 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Mazda 6e and 90% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda 6e, against 4 on the Tesla Model 3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Recalls on our record
Mazda 6e
None open on our record
Tesla Model 3
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005879 · published 30 Jan 2024The rear centre seat position of the Model 3 does not have an accessible top-restraint anchorage point as required by Australian Design Rule 34/03.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 8 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.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
78kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 194kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 194kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda 6e features a 14.6-inch touchscreen, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 16-inch display.
The Mazda 6e stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ventilated seats — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda 6e gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather with textile inserts.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda 6e measures 4,921mm long on a 2,895mm wheelbase, 201mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.6 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda 6e) vs 5 years (Tesla Model 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda 6e if: You or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (80 vs 67). The Mazda 6e and Tesla Model 3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda 6e and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $45,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda 6e by $4,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model 3 has the most range at 572km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Mazda 6e accepts the highest DC charging at up to 194kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mazda 6e and Tesla Model 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda 6e has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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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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