Mazda 6e vs smart #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.
Track the Mazda 6e & smart #3
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda 6e starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $52,900. That makes the Mazda 6e the more affordable entry point by $2,910.
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 $58,190 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 smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Mazda 6e and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the smart #3, against 7 on the Mazda 6e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mazda 6e and 7 in the smart #3.
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.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW 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 smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda 6e stands out with ventilated seats and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the smart #3. The smart #3 counters with heated front seats, Beats audio 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 smart #3 offers leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mazda 6e and 2-zone in the smart #3.
Drivetrain
The Mazda 6e uses a Electric producing 190kW and 290Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 78kWh (Mazda 6e) vs 66kWh (smart #3), giving WLTP ranges of 560km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 194kW (Mazda 6e) vs 150kW (smart #3).
Space & Comfort
The Mazda 6e measures 4,921mm long on a 2,895mm wheelbase, 521mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda 6e generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 337L in the Mazda 6e and 370L in the smart #3, giving the smart #3 a 33L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.5m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m 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
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 / 150,000km (smart #3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda 6e if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda 6e takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the smart #3 has a clear edge. 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 smart #3?
The Mazda 6e is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #3 by $2,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mazda 6e has the most range at 560km (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 smart #3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #3 has the largest boot at 370L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #3 makes the most power at 200kW.
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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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