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Dacia Duster vs Mazda 3 Sedan comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (16,300 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Mazda 3 Sedan?

Dacia Duster vs Mazda 3 Sedan: Key differences

Dacia Duster

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • a bit more efficient
  • only slightly lighter
  • moderately more trunk space

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat more power
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Duster

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Dacia Duster is substantially cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Mazda 3 Sedan costs 25,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,700 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Duster uses 4.7 L/100km and is a bit more efficient than the Mazda 3 Sedan with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

3 Sedan

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers somewhat more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 28 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Sedan is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.1 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.4 s. That’s about 1.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda 3 Sedan delivers barely more torque with 240 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm more.

Duster

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Dacia Duster is only slightly lighter – 1,377 kg compared to 1,420 kg. The difference is around 43 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers moderately more boot space – 517 L compared to 450 L. That’s a difference of about 67 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Sedan carries marginally more – 481 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 28 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Duster is barely ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £16,300
Duster

Dacia Duster

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 158 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Suzuki Vitara
VS
The Dacia Duster still shocks with back-to-basics toughness and an unbeatable price — real off-road chops and a cavernous boot for a fraction of the bill — while the Suzuki Vitara answers with sharper handling, nicer interior materials and smarter tech that feels a touch more grown-up. Choose the …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
VS
The Dacia Duster is the rugged, no-nonsense compact SUV that feels ready for gravel tracks and weekend escapes without costing the earth — pick it if you want a bit of adventure in a brutally honest, affordable package. The Dacia Jogger, by contrast, is a clever, spacious seven-seater that trades …
Dacia Duster
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a no-nonsense compact SUV that delivers rugged practicality and surprisingly comfortable everyday driving without fuss. It might not win any beauty contests, but its honest design, easy-to-live-with cabin and tough attitude make it a smart pick for buyers who want reliable transport without luxury frills.

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Reviews Dacia Duster

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
Buh
14 Dec 2025, 22:40:05

I find the difference between the two very minimal.
And for almost €20k more 💶 I would absolutely not choose the Tiguan.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Value for Money

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Renault Captur
VS
Think of the Dacia Duster as the bargain-basement SUV that treats rough roads like a challenge and your wallet like a VIP—rugged, simple and brutally practical. The Renault Captur, by contrast, is the fashion-forward city slicker with sharper looks, more tech and a softer ride, ideal if you want …
Dacia Duster
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Dacia Duster feels like a rugged, no‑nonsense bargain—roomy, high‑riding and ready to tackle dirt tracks for a fraction of the price, while the Toyota Yaris Cross is the clever city SUV: compact, efficient and wrapped in Toyota’s polished hybrid refinement. Choose the Duster if you want space …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
VS
If you need a proper SUV silhouette, more room and rough-road confidence, the Dacia Duster is the sensible adventurer — higher ride height, optional 4x4 and a generous boot make it the one to choose for family trips and gravel tracks. But if you mainly commute, squeeze into city parking and care …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Dacia Duster
VS
In the fiercely competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Citroen C3 Aircross stands out with its bold design and customizable interior options, appealing to urban drivers seeking both style and practicality. Meanwhile, the Dacia Duster offers remarkable value for money, boasting robust off-road …
Dacia Duster
Renault Clio
VS
In the realm of budget-friendly options, the Dacia Duster and Renault Clio stand out with their distinct appeals. The Duster, known for its rugged stance and off-road capabilities, caters to those seeking adventure without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Clio, with its refined design and …
Dacia Duster
Kia Sportage
VS
The Dacia Duster is the no-frills, mud-loving bargain that happily chews up trails and your monthly payments, while the Kia Sportage counters with slick tech, a plush cabin, and the sort of refinement that makes long commutes feel shorter. If your wallet leads, pick the Duster; if your senses do, …
Dacia Duster
Renault Symbioz
VS
The Dacia Duster and Renault Symbioz compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
VS
The Dacia Duster is the sensible new-school pick — affordable, economical and surprisingly well packaged with modern safety and infotainment for the money; the Opel Frontera, meanwhile, is a proper old-school body-on-frame bruiser that still appeals to buyers who prize simple, rugged off-road …
Dacia Duster
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Price
25,000 - 34,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
0.6 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 140 g/km
co2
123 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,455 kg
Curb weight
1,420 - 1,492 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
450 L
Length
4,343 mm
Length
-
Width
1,813 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
1,656 - 1,659 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,414 - 1,609 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
402 - 453 kg
Payload
467 - 481 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Mazda
What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.