Mazda Mazda2 vs Mazda Mazda3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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.
Mazda Mazda2
$20,495 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
Hatchback
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT
76kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
250L
Mazda Mazda3
From $26,490
Hatchback
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation
114kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
295L
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda2 starts from $20,495 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda2 the more affordable entry point by $5,995.
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 $22,545 and $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda Mazda3 counters with Apple CarPlay and head-up display that the Mazda Mazda2 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda Mazda2 gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda Mazda3 offers black cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda2 uses a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT producing 76kW and 135Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 76kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda Mazda2 measures 3,900mm long on a 2,490mm wheelbase, 560mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,725mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 250L in the Mazda Mazda2 and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 45L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 700kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.6m
Based on 9.8m 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 $1,824/year for the Mazda Mazda2 and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Mazda Mazda2) vs $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda Mazda2) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda Mazda3 has a clear edge. The Mazda Mazda3 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 Mazda2 and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda2 is the cheapest at $20,495 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda Mazda3 by $5,995.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda Mazda2 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the largest boot at 295L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda Mazda3 makes the most power at 114kW.
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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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