Mazda Mazda3 vs Subaru Impreza
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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 Mazda3
From $26,490
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
114kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
295L
Subaru Impreza
From $33,490
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol I4 Boxer
115kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
291L
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $26,490 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Impreza opens at $33,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $2,280 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
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Impreza gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments.
The Mazda Mazda3 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Impreza. 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 Subaru Impreza responds with a Petrol I4 Boxer making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Subaru Impreza has the clear power advantage at 115kW 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, 30mm shorter than the Subaru Impreza at 4,490mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 291L in the Subaru Impreza, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 4L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3 and $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $2,138 (Subaru Impreza). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $456 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 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Impreza if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. 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 Subaru Impreza?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Impreza by $7,000.
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 — Subaru Impreza 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 is the most powerful?
The Subaru Impreza makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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