Mazda Mazda3 Sedan vs. Ford Fusion

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and Ford Fusion contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and the Ford Fusion.

When we compare the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's and the Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's and the Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is a better car than the Ford Fusion.

Pricing: A used 2020 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan ranges from $15,991 to $23,990 while a used 2020 Ford Fusion is priced between $14,994 to $23,000.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan loses 33.3 percent of its value and the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan retains 8.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Fusion.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is 8.9 out of 10 while the Ford Fusion's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan being ranked 7 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is 8.2 out of 10. For the Ford Fusion the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fusion a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan’s base engine makes 186 horsepower, and the Ford Fusion base engine makes 175 horsepower. The Mazda3 Sedan is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 475 miles. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles.This gives the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford Fusion the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Fusion, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan and the Ford Fusion have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.