Mazda Mazda3 vs Volkswagen Passat
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda Mazda3 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Volkswagen Passat. 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 Volkswagen Passat lines up making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Passat has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 114kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Passat is 1.8s 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, 315mm shorter than the Volkswagen Passat at 4,775mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Passat generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 295L in the Mazda Mazda3 and 586L in the Volkswagen Passat, giving the Volkswagen Passat a 291L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Passat leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg 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 11.7m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m 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 $1,824/year for the Volkswagen Passat. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3) vs $1,824 (Volkswagen Passat). 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Passat). Both match on warranty length.
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 Volkswagen Passat if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Passat takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat?
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 — Volkswagen Passat all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Passat has the largest boot at 586L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Passat has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Passat makes the most power at 140kW. The Volkswagen Passat is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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