Mazda MX-5 vs JAC T9
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.
Mazda MX-5
From $41,520
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G)
135kW
6.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
130L
JAC T9
From $42,662
Ute
Diesel
Turbo-diesel
125kW
7.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Track the Mazda MX-5 & JAC T9
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $41,520 before on-road costs, while the JAC T9 opens at $42,662. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $1,142.
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 $45,672 and $46,928 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda MX-5 by roughly $1,140 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 MX-5 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the JAC T9 gets a 10.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda MX-5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the JAC T9. The JAC T9 counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda MX-5 gets black cloth with synthetic suede upholstery while the JAC T9 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) producing 135kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.
The JAC T9 responds with a Turbo-diesel making 125kW and 410Nm, paired to a 8at driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 125kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 5.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 1415mm shorter than the JAC T9 at 5,330mm (3,110mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the JAC T9 generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 13.0m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.0m 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 $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $2,166/year for the JAC T9. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5) vs 7 years (JAC T9). The JAC T9 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —7yr (JAC T9).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the JAC T9 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer JAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. The JAC T9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 MX-5 and JAC T9?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs. That undercuts the JAC T9 by $1,142.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
JAC T9 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda MX-5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The JAC T9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The JAC T9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda MX-5 makes the most power at 135kW. The Mazda MX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
