Mitsubishi Lancer vs Mazda Mazda3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Price TBC
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
125kW
8.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Mazda Mazda3
From $26,490
Hatchback
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation
114kW
5.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
295L
Track the Mitsubishi Lancer & Mazda Mazda3
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Mitsubishi Lancer stands out with Rockford Fosgate audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda Mazda3 counters with Apple CarPlay and head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Lancer uses a Petrol producing 125kW and 226Nm of torque, sent through a cvt (continuously variable transmission, invecs-iii sports mode) to a FWD layout.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels.
The Mitsubishi Lancer has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 114kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Lancer measures 4,585mm long on a 2,635mm wheelbase, 125mm longer than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,725mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.0m to 10.6m
Based on 10.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,537/year for the Mitsubishi Lancer and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Warranty: 5 years / 130,000km (Mitsubishi Lancer) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Lancer if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Lancer and Mazda Mazda3?
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.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mitsubishi Lancer holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda Mazda3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Lancer makes the most power at 125kW.
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!
