Mazda CX-3 vs Nissan Dualis
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 12 Sep 2026, price 4 Nov 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.
$27,800RRP
- cannot be matched: Keyless Entry not offered
$25,990RRP
- 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Dualis opens at $25,990. That makes the Nissan Dualis the more affordable entry point by $1,810.
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 $30,580 and $28,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published record does not give the Mazda CX-3 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Mazda CX-3
- REC-005733 · published 1 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear-view camera wiring harness may become damaged and could cause the rear-view image to become distorted or flicker.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000882 · published 15 May 2018If the engine is operated at high revs in an unloaded condition (either Park or Neutral) residual oil that may accumulate in the engine intake system may be drawn into the engine and result in an engine over run condition.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- 3 more on the model page.
Nissan Dualis
- REC-001086 · published 19 Jan 2015The steering wheel boss, which is connected to the steering column, may not have the appropriate strength.Year range on the notice: 2012
- REC-003452 · published 20 Sep 2012The steering wheel boss, which is connected to the steering column, may not have the appropriate strength.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-003406 · published 28 Nov 2011Manufacturing defect in the power steering control unit, which can stop power assisted steering.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan Dualis gets a 5-inch display.
The Mazda CX-3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan Dualis. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-3 gets black cloth upholstery while the Nissan Dualis offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-3 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop producing 110kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Nissan Dualis responds with a MR20DE making 102kW and 198Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 102kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-3 measures 4,275mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 55mm shorter than the Nissan Dualis at 4,330mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Dualis generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Nissan Dualis leads with a 1,400kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3 and $2,309/year for the Nissan Dualis. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan Dualis). The Mazda CX-3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Dualis if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (67 vs 58). The Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Dualis trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. The Mazda CX-3 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 CX-3 and Nissan Dualis?
The Nissan Dualis is the cheapest at $25,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-3 by $1,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Nissan Dualis holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (test year not on file). ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Mazda CX-3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Dualis has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,400kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda CX-3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / unlimited km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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