Mazda CX-3 vs Tesla Model 3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Tesla Model 3 scores higher, 71 vs 66
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 4 Nov 2026
Mazda CX-3
14 of 27 standard · no option data · 6 not offered · 7 no dataFrom
$27,800
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop
- Power
- 110kW
- Economy
- 6.3 L/100km
- Safety
- Not rated by ANCAP
- Boot (seats up)
- 264L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Tesla Model 3
10 of 27 standard · no option data · 17 no dataFrom
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- Sedan
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric Motor
- Power
- No data
- Energy use
- No data
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- No data
Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 66, but the Mazda CX-3 is $18,100 cheaper
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 3 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.
$27,800RRP
- cannot be matched: Keyless Entry, Heated Front Seats and Electric Driver Seat not offered
$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.
Price and cost per week
Mazda CX-3 G20 Pure
$27,800
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 4 Nov 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $105 a week in repayments ($27,800 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 1 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $189 a week in repayments ($45,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Mazda CX-3 starts $18,100 lower on RRP.
The Tesla Model 3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Mazda CX-3 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$105/wk(≈$457/mo)
Estimate on the Mazda CX-3 at $27,800 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
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.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 4 of 10 key systems on the Mazda CX-3 and 5 on the Tesla Model 3.
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.
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.
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 a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 16-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 Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, V2L and ambient lighting. 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 Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather with textile inserts.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-3 measures 4,275mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 445mm shorter than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm.
For towing, the Mazda CX-3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
The Mazda CX-3 turns in a 10.6 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Tesla Model 3's turning circle is not on our record.
Cost to own
We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mazda CX-3) and 5 years / Unlimited (Tesla Model 3).
Where each one leads
The Mazda CX-3: the lower starting price ($27,800 against $45,900) and the higher braked towing limit (1,200kg against 1,000kg).
The Tesla Model 3: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the Mazda CX-3.
The Verdict
Tesla Model 3 scores higher, 71 vs 66
The Tesla Model 3 scores 71 to the Mazda CX-3's 66 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 25 points), performance (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 20 points), reliability (Mazda CX-3 ahead by 9 points).
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$105/wk(≈$457/mo)
Estimate on the Mazda CX-3 at $27,800 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-3 and Tesla Model 3?
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheapest at $27,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $18,100.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Tesla Model 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025). 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 Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Track the Mazda CX-3 & Tesla Model 3
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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