Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda Cx-6E
What's the difference?

Tesla Model 3

$54,900 - $80,900

2026 price

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Mazda Cx-6E

$53,990 - $57,990

2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mazda Cx-6E

Mercedes-Benz A200

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Tesla Model 3

2026 Mazda Cx-6E

By James Cleary

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

—

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

750 km

Electric range

484 km

Energy consumption

13.6 kWh/100km

18.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

75.00 kWh

78.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Safety
Energy efficiency
Cabin environment

Nicely executed design, inside and out
Sharp enough pricing to capture attention
Backseat space for days

Dislikes

No spare tyre
FSD unconvincing
Average ownership proposition

Digital wing mirrors are rubbish on all cars
Some flaws in the drive experience
Chinese manufacturing, but a very Japanese warranty

2026 Tesla Model 3 Summary

It’s been in Australia since 2019 and despite the arrival of a comprehensively upgraded version in late 2023, the Tesla Model 3’s once gargantuan popularity has been declining in recent years.

A seemingly never-ending influx of pure-electric alternatives, primarily from China, has eroded the mid-size sedan’s positioning as the go-to, best-value EV choice.

But to its credit Tesla has again evolved the Model 3 proposition with the introduction of this Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive grade in October last year, at the time positioning it as “the longest-range EV in Australia”.

Since then, Tesla has adjusted the model grade name to Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.

Some additional tweaks, made in response to customer feedback, also illustrates the EV pioneer’s determination to step up in the face of increasingly fierce competition.

So, does this latest Model 3 do enough to earn a spot on your electric vehicle shopping list? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.

@carsguide.com.au ‘Dog Mode’ in the Tesla Model 3 is a life-saver for four-legged friends in the summer heat.🐾 #tesla #model3 #ev #cartok #doggosdoingthings ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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2026 Mazda Cx-6E Summary

We know the story of Mazda’s sudden EV push already, but I’ll recap it quickly.

On one side, soaring fuel prices and helpful incentives combined to lure Aussie buyers into EVs in record numbers. But Mazda doesn’t really have any to sell. On the other side, tightening NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) regulations punish brands that aren’t using EVs to lower their fleet emissions. But Mazda doesn’t really have any to sell.

The answer lay not in Japan, but in China, where Mazda has been able to capitalise on its relationship with Changan to get new EVs on the road quickly. The first was the 6e sedan, and this is the second arrival, the CX-6e.

And yes, that means that under the skin of this undeniably sexy electric SUV it’s very similar to something from Deepal, but the brand insists it’s still very much a Mazda everywhere else.

And so with this, Mazda rides into the electric SUV fray. But how does it stack up?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Tesla Model 3 2026 Mazda Cx-6E

Verdict

Tesla has done enough with the introduction of this Premium Long Range RWD variant to keep the Model 3’s head well and truly above water in an increasingly competitive segment. After more than six years it still looks good, with a pleasant cabin environment, plenty of performance and leading energy efficiency. Safety is top-shelf and it stands up well in terms of practicality and driving dynamics.

That said, the ownership proposition is average, the determination to make so many functions screen-based is frustrating and the optional Full Self-Driving system is unconvincing. With the Model S and Model Y now discontinued globally it will be interesting to see how the Model 3 continues to evolve.

Verdict

It might be the product of the brand's Chinese partnership, and in fact it might not even be a Mazda under the skin, but it definitely feels more like the Japanese brand than you might be expecting.

Does it feel quite enough like a Mazda? That's going to be up to you. But it certainly looks the part, inside and out.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda Cx-6E What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Tesla Model 3 vs Mazda Cx-6E
What's the difference?