Mazda Mazda3 vs Subaru Liberty
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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Liberty gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Liberty counters with heated front seats that the Mazda Mazda3 does not offer. 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 Liberty responds with a FB25 Boxer making 129kW and 235Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Subaru Liberty has the clear power advantage at 129kW vs 114kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Liberty is 0.1s quicker. 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, 335mm shorter than the Subaru Liberty at 4,795mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Liberty generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 493L in the Subaru Liberty, giving the Subaru Liberty a 198L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Liberty leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg 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 11.2m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,081/year for the Subaru Liberty. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $2,081 (Subaru Liberty). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Liberty if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Liberty takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Liberty 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 Mazda3 and Subaru Liberty?
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 — Subaru Liberty all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Liberty has the largest boot at 493L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Liberty has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Liberty makes the most power at 129kW. The Subaru Liberty is quickest to 100km/h in 9.6s.
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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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