Mazda CX-80 vs Polestar 3
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-80 starts from $64,490 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $99,900. That makes the Mazda CX-80 the more affordable entry point by $35,410.
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 $70,939 and $109,890 respectively.
The Polestar 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-80, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-80 and Polestar 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mazda CX-80 and 90% for the Polestar 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 3 packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mazda CX-80.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-80 and 8 in the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-80 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-80 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Polestar 3 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that the Mazda CX-80 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-80 uses a Petrol producing 209kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Polestar 3 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 209kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 3 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-80 measures 4,990mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 90mm longer than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 258L in the Mazda CX-80 and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Polestar 3 a 339L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-80 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.8m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 CX-80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-80 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 3 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Polestar 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 CX-80 and Polestar 3?
The Mazda CX-80 is the cheapest at $64,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 3 by $35,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-80 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-80 and Polestar 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 3 has the largest boot at 597L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 3 makes the most power at 245kW. The Polestar 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
