Mazda Mazda3 vs Toyota Corolla Sedan
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.
Data checked: specs 29 Oct 2026, price 30 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$31,910RRP
- with the Toyota Corolla Sedan's standard kit: $31,910 (nothing to add; 1 with no data, not charged)
$32,585RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda Mazda3 starts from $31,910 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Corolla Sedan opens at $32,585. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $675.
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 $35,101 and $35,844 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Sedan by roughly $2,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published record does not give the Mazda Mazda3 a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Toyota Corolla Sedan a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Mazda Mazda3
- REC-005733 · published 1 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear-view camera wiring harness may become damaged and could cause the rear-view image to become distorted or flicker.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000896 · published 9 Jan 2020The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system may falsely detect an object in front of the vehicle, which may initiate the automatic brake function.Year range on the notice: 2019
- 10 more on the model page.
Toyota Corolla Sedan
- REC-006390 · published 22 Jul 2025Due to a software programming issue, a memory device in the Combination Meter may deteriorate over time.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006193 · published 2 Dec 2024Due to a software issue in the skid control unit ECU, a higher pedal force may be required increasing the braking distance under certain driving conditions.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006191 · published 29 Nov 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, cracks may develop in the upper universal joint of the steering intermediate shaft assembly.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 5 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda Mazda3 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Corolla Sedan gets a 8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda Mazda3 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Corolla Sedan. The Toyota Corolla Sedan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 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.
The Toyota Corolla Sedan responds with a 1.8L 4-cyl VVT-i Hybrid making 103kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 103kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda Mazda3 measures 4,660mm long on a 2,725mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Sedan at 4,630mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 444L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 471L in the Toyota Corolla Sedan, giving the Toyota Corolla Sedan a 27L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,653/year for the Mazda Mazda3 and $1,112/year for the Toyota Corolla Sedan. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Sedan.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Corolla Sedan). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Sedan if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Toyota Corolla Sedan: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 68, but the Mazda Mazda3 is $675 cheaper
The Toyota Corolla Sedan comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 68), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Toyota Corolla Sedan ahead by 31), fuel economy (Toyota Corolla Sedan ahead by 16), value (Toyota Corolla Sedan ahead by 7). The Toyota Corolla Sedan will save you roughly $541 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 Toyota Corolla Sedan?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $31,910 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Corolla Sedan by $675.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan uses the least fuel at 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Mazda Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla Sedan, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan has the largest boot at 471L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
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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