BYD Atto 3 VS Mazda CX-5
BYD Atto 3
Likes
- Good value for an SUV
- Very good value for an EV
- Decent driving range for both models
Dislikes
- The interior design is polarising
- Long-term BYD prospects still unclear
- No spare tyre
Mazda CX-5
Likes
- Pleasant and accessible cabin
- Good power and handling
- Well equipped
Dislikes
- Feels compact inside
- Individual storage on the thin side
- Thirsty engine
Summary
BYD Atto 3
We appear to have reached a tipping point in the acceptance of electric vehicles in this country. The early adopters have made their switch but the technology has become more widely accepted, so now carmakers need to woo buyers with conventional means.Â
That means the tried and tested methods for making any car more appealing to a customer - lower cost and more equipment.
No car demonstrates this better than the BYD Atto 3, which is one of the most popular electric vehicles in Australia. But after an initial surge of buyers happy for a more affordable EV, BYD needs to find fresh ways to attract new customers.
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- BYD Sealion 6 2024 review
So, for this updated 2024 Atto 3, BYD has made it cheaper and added some key new equipment, while retaining its previous strengths in terms of value and technology.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | — |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Fuel Efficiency | —L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Mazda CX-5
This week I’m family testing the new Mazda CX-5 Akera G35 and the top-grade model is well-equipped. But it faces stiff competition in the mid-sized SUV market with rivals like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and the ever-popular Toyota RAV4.
Read more about
- Too many SUVs? New 2024 Mazda CX-70, incoming CX-80 and existing CX-60 and CX-90 won't oversaturate the line-up with SUVs, says Australian boss
- "Unless you have renewable energy, EVs don't make sense": Is Mazda Australia falling behind the electric car curve as hybrid and EV sales pick up?
- 2024 Mazda CX-70 mid-size SUV revealed as wider, more powerful alternative to CX-60, can it take on Volvo XC60, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC?
How do you remain competitive in one of the most popular SUV classes? My family of three is finding out for you!
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.2L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
BYD Atto 37/10
BYD hasn’t made dramatic changes to the Atto 3 for 2024, but has it done enough to lure in more buyers?Â
The additional equipment, namely the larger infotainment screen and new tyres, will certainly help make the Atto 3 more appealing. And the technology behind EVs is more understood by the average motorists, so the barriers to making the switch to electrification are dropping.
But the single biggest factor is likely to be the price. At a time when inflation (and other reasons) is driving the cost of new vehicles up, having your updated model go in the wrong direction will only help make potential buyers take notice.
Especially when you consider Toyota’s closest rival to the Atto 3, the bZ4X, starts at $66,000, while the Tesla Model Y is priced from $55,900, making both significantly more expensive propositions. Heck, the cheapest Toyota RAV4 hybrid model starts at $42,260, only marginally cheaper than the Atto 3 Standard Range.
So, if BYD can make its value argument strongly it will help lure more new buyers to take the plunge into the world of EVs.
Mazda CX-57.6/10
The Mazda CX-5 Akera G35 offers small families a great host of premium features, as well as solid power and handling – all in an attractive package. But the emphasis here is on ‘small’ families because it’s on the compact side for a mid-sized SUV and its rivals offer more back seat space.
Its ongoing costs are reasonable and I enjoy driving it, so it gets a 7.6/10 from me.
My son calls out the back seat as a bit squishy but he otherwise likes it. He gives it a 7.0/10
Design
BYD Atto 3
In a couple of words, not really. At least when it comes to the exterior design.
In fact, the biggest design change for 2024 is actually the colour of our test car, the new Cosmos Black. Apart from that, the rest of the Atto 3 is unchanged visually, which is becoming something of a trademark for EVs, at least from newer brands like BYD and Tesla.Â
Instead of worrying about adding a new grille, different headlights or an alternative alloy wheel design, brands like BYD are focusing on updating batteries, the technology and other software enhancements to keep their models fresh.
The only exterior change is at the rear, where the previous 'Build Your Dreams' lettering has been replaced by a simple 'BYD' badge.
As for the interior design, kudos to BYD for not following Tesla down the cost-saving-disguised-as-minimalist-design path, but personally the design aesthetic and the variety of colours and trims used aren’t to my taste, but I can see why others may love it. The ‘guitar string’ door pockets are likely a particularly polarsing design choice.
BYD has added a new interior option, with a black/blue trim for the examples finished with grey and black exteriors, while white and blue painted cars get a blue/grey interior.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 hasn’t seen much change to the exterior other than a more horizontally-styled grille. It’s a medium SUV with a handsome kerb-side presence thanks to its full-suite of LED lights and 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s an inoffensive design that should appeal to a wide audience.
The interior looks premium with the brown Nappa leather upholstery and black leather trims. The plethora of soft-touchpoints throughout reinforces that the Akera is the top model.
There's one thing I really like about Mazda and that's how it manages to balance the traditional with the new. The cabin is a seamless blend of the two elements.
The instrument panel features a 7.0-inch digital display but still has analogue dials. There's a 10.25-inch multimedia system on the dash but still a bunch of control buttons and dials to press. The gear shifter is coupled with an electric brake, the sunroof is coupled with a manual blind. You get it.
This duology between high-end tech and traditional elements makes the interior feel up to date but very accessible.
Practicality
BYD Atto 3
The Atto 3 remains classified as a ‘Medium SUV’ but blurs the line between mid-size and small in terms of dimensions, especially inside. It’s not in the same size game as the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander, but is close in size to the likes of the Honda ZR-V and Mazda CX-5.
While there’s a few key practical storage spaces, there aren’t as many as some newer rivals, which does suggest the Atto 3 design is starting to date or just wasn’t well thought-out enough in the first place; such as putting all the switchgear in the centre console rather than on the dashboard.
This was probably done, at least in part, to accommodate the rotating touchscreen, which seems like a poor design and practicality choice to me. Especially the new one, which at 15.8-inches when rotated to the portrait mode it starts to interfere with your vision and the layout is more user-friendly in landscape mode - both when using the native multimedia system or your smartphone connection.
Space is respectable in the back seats, and there’s both a USB-A and USB-C port for charging devices. While out the back the boot measures 440 litres, which is a respectable amount of space for an SUV this size, but there’s only a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel.
Mazda CX-5
Despite sitting in the medium-SUV segment, the CX-5 is on the compact side for cabin space and front passengers benefit the most in terms of leg- and headroom.
Back rowers get a decent amount of headroom but legroom is squishy and my legs press into the back of the drivers seat when its in my driving position, and I'm only 168cm tall!
My seven-year old complained about his space and asked Dad to slide forward for more room, which is something to consider if you have gangly teenagers.
The seat comfort sits on the firmer side for both rows and the electric front seats are narrower and shorter than I like for long journeys but for the A to B trips, they’re comfy enough.
Only the driver’s seat gets powered lumbar support but they both have heat and ventilation functions.
Individual storage is average for this class with a smallish glove box and middle console that has a removable shelf. A deep utility tray, which houses the wireless charging pad and a 12-volt port, sits in front of the gearshift and there are two cupholders in the centre console.
Each door has a shallow storage bin and the front doors also get a skinny drink bottle holder.
For individual storage in the rear, you get map pockets on the rear of the front seats and two cupholders in a fold-down armrest.
The armrest also houses two USB-A ports and the heat function buttons for the outboard seats and it's because of this positioning and the narrower width of the seat, that the back row feels more suited to two, rather than three passengers.
The technology on the whole is easy enough to use but the rotary dial operation of the multimedia system is a bit annoying to access while on the go.
The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a great feature and means one less cable to worry about but the built-in satellite navigation with 10-year map updates is a highlight. The head-up display pulls through the nav directions, too, which is always handy.
You also get two USB-C ports and another 12-volt outlet up front, so everyone should be sorted for charging.
The boot features a powered tailgate which is a handy family feature and a temporary spare tyre is located underneath the level floor.
You get 438L of storage capacity with the second row seat upright, which is plenty for my errands and grocery shop. That jumps up to 1340L (VDA) when the rear seats are folded.Â
The cargo cover attaches to the lid, meaning it stays out of the way when you're loading stuff into the boot.
Price and features
BYD Atto 3
As we just mentioned, price has been a critical tool for carmakers looking to keep demand for EVs rolling along as the early adopters fade, and BYD is not immune from this. Earlier in 2024 the Atto 3 Extended Range, the model we’re testing here, started at $50,011 before on-road costs. Then in April 2024, BYD announced a drive-away deal for $45,990 for pre-registered demos.Â
Now this updated model is priced from $47,499 (plus on-road costs), which is a jump up from the sale price, but is more than $3500 cheaper than the Atto 3 was at the start of 2024. Meanwhile, the Standard model is priced from $44,990 (plus on-road costs), which is also a saving of more than $3000 on the previous model.
The key difference between the Standard and Extended Range models are the batteries, so the specification is similar. Both variants are equipped with LED headlights, power tailgate, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, 5.0-inch digital instrument panel and in-built satellite navigation.
One of the big ticket item changes for 2024 is the upgraded 15.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, which comes with BYD’s signature trick - rotating between portrait and landscape modes. This is upsized from 12.8-inch in the old model. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard too.
Mazda CX-5
There are five grades for the CX-5. The top two grades, the GT SP and Akera, have a choice between a 2.5-litre petrol or turbo-petrol engine.
On test here is the flagship Akera grade with the 2.5L turbo-petrol engine. Before on-road costs, it is priced at $55,000. That positions it towards the top-end of its competitors with the Kia Sportage GT-Line AWD coming in at $49,920 (MSRP) and the Toyota RAV4 sliding in just under at $54,410 (MSRP). However, the new Honda CR-V is more expensive by $2.0K.
The Akera is well-equipped with premium features like a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel and brown Nappa leather upholstery.
The technology is well-rounded with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 10.25-inch multimedia system with built-in satellite navigation (including map updates for 10 years).
There are some good practical features, too, like a powered tailgate, keyless entry and start as well as powered lumbar support on the drivers' seat.
Under the bonnet
BYD Atto 3
As with the design there isn’t much to say about what’s powering the Atto 3 because it’s the same as the 2023 model. Both the Standard and Extended Range use the same front-mounted electric motor, which makes 150kW/310Nm and drives the front wheels through a single speed transmission. Â
With 0-100km/h times of 7.9 seconds and 7.3 seconds respectively for the Standard and Extended Range, the Atto 3 won’t shove you back in your seat, but it has adequate performance for a mid-size SUV.Â
Mazda CX-5
The Akera is an all-wheel drive with a six-speed auto transmission and our test model has the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces a maximum power output of 170kW and 420Nm of torque. The turbo ensures it never feels sluggish, even when you’re hitting hills.
Efficiency
BYD Atto 3
The Standard Range has a rated driving range of 345km (WLTP) from a 49.92kWh ‘Blade’ lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery while the Extended Range’s bigger 60.48kWh unit increases that to 420km.
Charging is capped at 70kW (DC) for the Standard and 80kW (DC) for the Extended.Â
One of the major hurdles for EV brands is convincing people that they won’t run out of charge every day. At 420km the Extended Range Atto 3 will get most people through multiple days of commuting, so even with public charging you shouldn’t worry about range anxiety.Â
Those drivers with commutes longer than 420km per day should be looking at something other than an electric car (and probably a job closer to home).
Mazda CX-5
The compromise for getting extra power from the turbo is fuel efficiency takes a hit.
The official combined fuel cycle figure is 8.2L/100km but my real-world usage came out at 10L/100km. That’s after mostly open-road driving this week, too, so it’s a bit thirstier than I was expecting.
Based on the combined cycle number and the 58L fuel tank, expect a driving range of around 784km – which is still great for the odd road trip.
Driving
BYD Atto 3
Driving the updated Atto 3 feels… fine. Nothing special or class-leading, but within the expectations buyers should look for in a mid-size SUV. Which is meant as a compliment to BYD, as it is still a relatively new brand in this very competitive market and there are certainly some noticeably worse rivals in this same segment.Â
The Atto 3 may not be the most comfortable, most powerful or most dynamic mid-size SUV, but it’s a perfectly nice thing to drive and it will get you from Point A to Point B quietly and smoothly.
Another of the major changes for 2024 is BYD’s decision to ditch the fantastically named, but not very good Atlas Batman tyres, replacing them with Continental rubber. The Atlas tyres were a major drawback on the old model, lacking grip and detracting from the driving experience, with the new ‘Contis’ solving those problems.Â
Mazda CX-5
The Akera turbo-petrol delivers a decent well of power to dip into and it feels peppy in most situations. Even when you’re overtaking or getting up to speed you don’t feel like you’re nearing the bottom of the power barrel. Â
Steering is responsive and the car is agile when you tackle narrow car parks or streets. However, you still get some roll in corners which my passengers felt more than I did.
The cabin is quiet, even at higher speeds and the suspension is firm enough that you feel the bumps but you’re not jostled about. The ride comfort is still good.
I’ve said it before but I love parking medium SUVs because their size is so forgiving in a car park! The Akera is no different and it’s especially easy thanks to the ultra-clear 360-degree view camera system. You also get front and rear parking sensors to help out when needed.Â
Safety
BYD Atto 3
In terms of safety, both Atto 3 variants get a comprehensive list of both passive and active safety features, enough to score a five-star ANCAP rating.
There’s airbag coverage for all occupants, 360-degree parking cameras, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward and rear collision warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear cross-traffic brake and door open warning.
Most of these systems behaved themselves during our testing, although the forward collision warning did seem overly sensitive at times, and sounded alarms over potential accidents that simply weren’t a problem. Still, compared to some modern brands, the BYD systems performed well.
Mazda CX-5
The Akera has a bunch of safety features that are always great to have on a family SUV and a standout is the 360-degree camera system. It’s super clear and well-positioned on the dashboard for easy viewing.
Standard safety items on the Akera include LED daytime running lights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a driver fatigue monitor, AEB, forward collision warning and traffic sign recognition.
The previously awarded five-star ANCAP safety rating for this model has just expired and models built from January 2024 onwards are thus unrated. The CX-5 features six airbags, which is a little low for a family car but I like how many safety features this has overall.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear outboard seat positions and three top-tethers but two seats will fit best. Front occupant comfort is compromised when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.
Ownership
BYD Atto 3
BYD offers a six-year/150,000km warrant for the vehicle, with eight years/160,000km coverage for the batteries.
Service intervals are every 12 months of 20,000km and while a minor service is only $165, every second visit is more expensive, ranging from $498 to more than $600. There may be less oily bits under the bonnet but there’s still a cost to owning an electric car.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is average cover for the class but some of its rivals offer longer terms.
There is a five-year, or up to 75,000km capped-price servicing program and services average $423 per workshop visit, which is competitive.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.