Mazda MX-5 vs Mitsubishi Triton
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.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 14 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker 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.
$44,590RRP
- no option data for this car
$43,690RRP
- 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.
Track the Mazda MX-5 & Mitsubishi Triton
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $44,590 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Triton opens at $43,690. That makes the Mitsubishi Triton the more affordable entry point by $900.
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 $49,049 and $48,059 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda MX-5 by roughly $1,000 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.
Recalls on our record
Mazda MX-5
- REC-006355 · published 4 Jun 2025Due to a software programming issue, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module may fail to illuminate the visual warning lights.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-006248 · published 23 Jan 2025Due to a software issue, the parking assist control unit in the vehicle that detects obstructions when reversing may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 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
- 2 more on the model page.
Mitsubishi Triton
- REC-005634 · published 20 Mar 2023The product was sold without the warning information that is required for products containing button/coin batteries.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-001049 · published 6 May 2019The rivets for the side step cover may corrode and fracture, especially if usage involves exposure to salt or anti-freeze agent.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- REC-001032 · published 29 Jun 2016The turn signal and lighting switch connector terminals may become worn during switch operation due to insufficient rigidity.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 3 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 MX-5 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Triton gets a 9-inch display and 7-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 Mitsubishi Triton. The Mitsubishi Triton counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Mitsubishi Triton offers cloth.
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 Mitsubishi Triton responds with a Diesel making 150kW and 470Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.3 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Triton has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 4.8s 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, 1405mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Triton at 5,320mm (3,130mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Triton generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 12.4m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.4m 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 $2,138/year for the Mitsubishi Triton. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Triton). The Mitsubishi Triton has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Triton if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mitsubishi Triton: Top CarSorted Score, 77 vs 66
The Mitsubishi Triton comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (77 vs 66), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: practicality (Mitsubishi Triton ahead by 42), safety (Mitsubishi Triton ahead by 31), fuel economy (Mazda MX-5 ahead by 7). The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. The Mitsubishi Triton adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 Mitsubishi Triton?
The Mitsubishi Triton is the cheapest at $43,690 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda MX-5 by $900.
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?
Mitsubishi Triton 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 Mitsubishi Triton has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Triton has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Triton makes the most power at 150kW. The Mazda MX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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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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