Mazda Mazda3 vs Nissan Navara
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Navara opens at $26,490. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $29,139 and $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $5,700 in fuel alone.
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 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Nissan Navara. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda3 uses a Petrol producing 114kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The Nissan Navara lines up making 122kW and 238Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (7-speed automatic optional) driving the rear wheels.
The Nissan Navara has the clear power advantage at 122kW vs 114kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda Mazda3 measures 4,460mm long on a 2,725mm wheelbase, 795mm shorter than the Nissan Navara at 5,255mm (3,150mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Navara generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Nissan Navara leads with a 1,588kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 388kg 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 11.8m
Based on 10.6m 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
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 $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3 and $2,822/year for the Nissan Navara. That is a $1,140 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $2,822 (Nissan Navara). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $1,140 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan Navara). The Mazda Mazda3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Navara if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda Mazda3 and Nissan Navara trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $1,140 a year in fuel. 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 Mazda3 and Nissan Navara?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs.
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 — Nissan Navara all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Navara has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,588kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Navara makes the most power at 122kW.
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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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