smart #3 vs Mazda CX-6e
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Price Breakdown
The smart #3 starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-6e opens at $59,106. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $1,206.
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 $63,690 and $65,017 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the smart #3 and Mazda CX-6e hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mazda CX-6e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #3 and 9 in the Mazda CX-6e.
Feature Showdown
The smart #3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-6e gets a 26.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 stands out with heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-6e. The Mazda CX-6e counters with ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The smart #3 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-6e responds with a Electric making 190kW and 290Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 77.9kWh (Mazda CX-6e), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 484km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (smart #3) vs 150kW (Mazda CX-6e).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 450mm shorter than the Mazda CX-6e at 4,850mm (2,902mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-6e generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the smart #3 and 468L in the Mazda CX-6e, giving the Mazda CX-6e a 208L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m diameter
Average
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-6e). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-6e if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-6e takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-6e has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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