Mazda MX-5 vs Renault Duster
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 $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
Renault Duster
From $31,990
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
113kW
6.5 L/100km
3★ ANCAP
472L
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Renault Duster opens at $31,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $35,189 and $35,189 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda MX-5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the Renault Duster.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Duster packs more ADAS features with 2 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Mazda MX-5.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 4 in the Mazda MX-5 and 6 in the Renault Duster.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Renault Duster counters with Apple CarPlay that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) producing 96kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout.
The Renault Duster responds with a Petrol making 113kW and 270Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Renault Duster has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 96kW. 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, 430mm shorter than the Renault Duster at 4,345mm (2,657mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Duster generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 472L in the Renault Duster, giving the Renault Duster a 342L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.9m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m 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 $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $1,853/year for the Renault Duster. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Mazda MX-5) vs $1,853 (Renault Duster). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda MX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Duster). The Renault Duster 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 Renault Duster if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Duster takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Duster has a clear edge. The Renault Duster adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Renault Duster?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda MX-5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Duster has the largest boot at 472L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Duster has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Renault Duster has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Duster makes the most power at 113kW.
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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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