Mazda MX-5 vs Volkswagen T-Roc
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
Volkswagen T-Roc
From $41,990
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
445L
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $41,520 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Roc opens at $41,990. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $470.
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 $46,189 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 Volkswagen T-Roc gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Roc counters with wireless charging. 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 Volkswagen T-Roc offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5 and 2-zone in the Volkswagen T-Roc.
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 Volkswagen T-Roc responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 2.2s 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, 336mm shorter than the Volkswagen T-Roc at 4,251mm (2,603mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen T-Roc generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 445L in the Volkswagen T-Roc, giving the Volkswagen T-Roc a 315L advantage. The Volkswagen T-Roc seats 5 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.1m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,796/year for the Volkswagen T-Roc. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Roc). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Roc if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen T-Roc will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Roc 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 MX-5 and Volkswagen T-Roc?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Roc by $470.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Roc uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda MX-5 and Volkswagen T-Roc carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Roc has the largest boot at 445L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Roc has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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.
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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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