Nissan Dualis vs Mazda CX-3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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.
Nissan Dualis
$25,990 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
SUV
Petrol
MR20DE
102kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Mazda CX-3
From $27,800
SUV
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop
110kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
264L
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan Dualis starts from $25,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. That makes the Nissan Dualis the more affordable entry point by $1,810.
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 $28,589 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $2,565 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 Nissan Dualis features a 5-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display.
The Mazda CX-3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan Dualis gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda CX-3 offers black cloth.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Dualis uses a MR20DE producing 102kW and 198Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Mazda CX-3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 102kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Dualis measures 4,330mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 55mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Dualis generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Nissan Dualis leads with a 1,400kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,309/year for the Nissan Dualis and $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan Dualis) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Dualis if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. The Mazda CX-3 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, Nissan Dualis and Mazda CX-3?
The Nissan Dualis is the cheapest at $25,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-3 by $1,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Nissan Dualis holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda CX-3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Dualis has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,400kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda CX-3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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