Mazda CX-30 vs Renault Arkana
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-30 starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Renault Arkana opens at $39,990. That makes the Mazda CX-30 the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $32,989 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Arkana by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-30 and Renault Arkana hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-30 and 96% for the Renault Arkana.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Arkana packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Mazda CX-30.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-30 and 6 in the Renault Arkana.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-30 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Renault Arkana gets a 9.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-30 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Renault Arkana. The Renault Arkana counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-30 uses a Petrol producing 114kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Renault Arkana responds with a Petrol making 105kW and 205Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Mazda CX-30 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Renault Arkana is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-30 measures 4,395mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 173mm shorter than the Renault Arkana at 4,568mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Arkana generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-30 and 430L in the Renault Arkana, giving the Renault Arkana a 80L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Arkana 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.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-30 and $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-30) vs $1,482 (Renault Arkana). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-30) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Arkana). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-30 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Arkana takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Renault Arkana will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Arkana 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 CX-30 and Renault Arkana?
The Mazda CX-30 is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Arkana by $10,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Arkana uses the least fuel at 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-30 and Renault Arkana all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Arkana has the largest boot at 430L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Arkana has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-30 makes the most power at 114kW. The Renault Arkana is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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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