Head-to-head
Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e starts $12,000 (19%) below the Tesla Model 3. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Sedan
Tesla Model 3
The refreshed 'Highland' Model 3 brings sharper styling, a quieter cabin and improved ride. It remains Australia's benchmark mid-size electric sedan and the gateway to Tesla's Supercharger network.
- From
- $61,990
- Range
- 513 km
- Battery
- 60 kWh
Option B · Sedan
Mazda 6e
Mazda's first dedicated EV for Australia, built through the Changan-Mazda joint venture in China. Rear-wheel drive, 78 kWh LFP battery, and a quick 15-min DC fast charge (10-80%) on 200 kW chargers.
- From
- $49,990
- Range
- 560 km
- Battery
- 78 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model 3 and Mazda 6e, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e goes 47 km further on a charge (560 vs 513 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e carries a 18.0 kWh larger battery (78 vs 60 kWh).
- 3
Boot · advantage Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 swallows 257 L more cargo with the rear seats up (594 vs 337 L).
- 4
Price · advantage Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $12,000 (19%) on starting price.
- 5
DC charging · advantage Mazda 6e
The Mazda 6e accepts 30 kW more DC peak charging (200 vs 170 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model 3 wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (6.1s vs 7.8s)
Where the Mazda 6e wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $12,000
- ▸ 47 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (200 kW vs 170 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Tesla Model 3
What we like
- ✓ Access to the Tesla Supercharger network
- ✓ Industry-leading efficiency
- ✓ Frequent over-the-air improvements
What we don't
- ✕ Stalk-less indicators frustrate many drivers
- ✕ Build quality remains variable
- ✕ Short 4-year vehicle warranty
Mazda 6e
What we like
- ✓ Strong 560 km WLTP range
- ✓ Quick 15-min DC fast charge
- ✓ Mazda's well-developed AU dealer network
What we don't
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP tested
- ✕ China-built may be an issue for traditional Mazda buyers
- ✕ Modest 337 L boot
Frequently asked: Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda 6e
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model 3 or the Mazda 6e?
- The Mazda 6e is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $49,990 versus $61,990 for the Tesla Model 3, a $12,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Mazda 6e has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 560 km, 47 km further than the Tesla Model 3's 513 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Mazda 6e accepts a peak DC charging rate of 200 kW versus 170 kW for the Tesla Model 3. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Tesla Model 3 does 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds — 1.7 s quicker than the Mazda 6e's 7.8 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Mazda 6e better value than the Tesla Model 3?
- On paper the Mazda 6e is $12,000 cheaper AND beats the Tesla Model 3 on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model 3
if…
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (257 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: long-distance drivers
Choose the
Mazda 6e
if…
- ✓ you want to save $12,000 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (47 km further per charge)
- ✓ you match the profile: mazda loyalists
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.