2026 Mazda CX-5 G25 Pure AWD review

Rivals: Three Alternatives Worth Considering

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (from $45,990)

The 2WD RAV4 Hybrid claims 4.5L/100km, which on the claims saves roughly $830 a year at 15,000km and $1.90/L. Toyota's resale values are typically the strongest in class. But it's around $6,000 more expensive at the entry point, and the 2WD grades' 800kg tow limit (1,500kg for AWD) is restrictive. If running costs are everything, RAV4. If you want the complete package, CX-5. Full RAV4 vs CX-5 comparison.

Honda CR-V (from $41,800)

Honda quotes 589L for the five-seat CR-V's boot against the CX-5's 466L, and the e:HEV RS hybrid claims 5.5L/100km. Honda's reliability record is strong. But the CR-V starts $1,810 above the CX-5, and towing tops out at 1,500kg (1,000kg for the seven-seaters, 750kg for the hybrid). Prioritise space above all else? CR-V. Full CR-V vs CX-5 comparison.

Hyundai Tucson (from $39,350)

The Tucson is closely priced to the CX-5 and packs more tech per dollar, including a larger 10.25-inch screen, more dramatic styling, and a hybrid option at 4.9L/100km (5.3L/100km with AWD). The 5-year unlimited-km warranty matches Mazda. The petrol Tucson tows 1,650kg, 150kg less than the CX-5, while the hybrid is rated at 1,900kg, 100kg more. The interior is modern and well-equipped. Full Tiguan vs CX-5 comparison | Full X-Trail vs CX-5 comparison.

Efficiency: Fuel Economy in the Real World

Let's be upfront: the CX-5 is not a fuel miser. Mazda doesn't offer a hybrid, and that puts it at a disadvantage against the RAV4 Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid, and CR-V Hybrid on paper.

The G25 range claims 7.4L/100km combined on its 2.5-litre engine. Treat that as a lab figure: city driving with the air-con working will lift it.

At 15,000km annually and $1.90/litre, here's what the fuel bill looks like:

So the RAV4 Hybrid saves around $600-$700 a year in fuel. Over five years, that's $3,000-$3,500. But remember, the CX-5 G25 Pure is around $6,000 cheaper to buy than the RAV4. Even after five years of higher fuel costs, you're still ahead on total outlay at the entry point. The fuel economy gap only becomes meaningful if you keep the car for seven-plus years or drive significantly more than average.

The 56-litre fuel tank works out to about 775km on the claim, and less in practice. Not as impressive as the RAV4 Hybrid's 900km+, but still plenty for weekly commuting without constant trips to the servo.

Cost: Pricing and Running Costs

The CX-5 range starts with the G25 Pure at $39,990 before on-road costs. Every current grade runs the same 2.5-litre petrol engine (132kW and 242Nm) with an automatic and all-wheel drive. Step up through the G25 Evolve at $42,990 and G25 Touring at $47,490, then the sportier G25 GT SP at $51,990 and the flagship G25 Akera at $54,990, and you add progressively more kit rather than more engine.

Driveaway, expect to pay roughly $42,000-$59,000 depending on the variant and your state. The entry grades are genuinely competitive. The Hyundai Tucson starts at $39,350, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at $45,990, and the Honda CR-V at $41,800. The CX-5 Pure undercuts all three.

Fuel costs are the one area where the CX-5 can't match hybrid rivals. The G25 claims 7.4L/100km combined. At 15,000km per year and $1.90/litre, that's roughly $2,110 a year on the claim, and more in practice. A 2WD RAV4 Hybrid does the same distance for around $1,280 on its 4.5L/100km claim. Over five years, that's roughly $4,130. Meaningful, but the CX-5 counters with a lower entry price and its towing advantage.

Every grade gets the same 132kW and 242Nm. The extra spend as you move up the range buys equipment and trim rather than performance, so the value play is to buy the grade whose features you actually want.

Servicing costs are reasonable. Mazda offers capped-price servicing, with intervals at 12 months or 10,000km. Average annual service cost is around $250-$350. The 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty matches Toyota and Hyundai, but falls short of Kia's seven-year offering.

Safety: ANCAP Rating and Features

The CX-5 carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite is comprehensive across the range. Standard safety features on the G25 Pure include:

• Smart Brake Support (AEB) with pedestrian detection, day and night
• Radar cruise control with stop-and-go capability
• Lane-keep assist with departure warning
• Blind spot monitoring: standard even on the base model
• Rear cross-traffic alert standard
• Driver attention monitoring
• Reversing camera standard on all grades
• Six airbags

A key advantage over the RAV4: blind spot monitoring is standard on every CX-5, even the cheapest Pure. On the RAV4, you need to step up to the GXL (at $48,990) to get it. At $39,990, the CX-5 gives you this essential safety feature straight out of the box. That matters.

The Touring and above add front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Interior: Tech, Materials, and Storage

The interior has a restrained, almost European look, with soft-touch materials across the dash and door tops.

The G25 Pure gets a 10.25-inch centre display that sits atop the dash (not embedded in it, which Mazda argues is safer because your eyes stay closer to the road). It's controlled via a rotary dial on the centre console, which sounds old-fashioned but is Mazda's answer to eyes-off-road time at a touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and wireless.

The Touring and above add a head-up display, Bose sound system, and a bigger driver information display.

Storage is adequate rather than class-leading. The centre console bin is a decent size, door pockets take a 600ml bottle, and there's a small shelf ahead of the gear lever. Two USB ports up front and two in the rear. Nothing is missing, but the RAV4 and Tucson offer a bit more cubby space for the daily detritus of family life.

Practicality: Boot, Rear Seats, Child Seats, and Towing

Mazda quotes a 466-litre boot for the CX-5. Toyota quotes 705L for the RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai 539L for the petrol Tucson and 582L for the hybrid, and Honda 589L for the five-seat CR-V. Folding the rear seats (60/40 split) opens up a flat loading floor with serious cargo space for furniture runs or camping gear.

The boot opening is wide and the loading lip is fairly low. The Touring and above get a power tailgate, which is a genuine luxury when your hands are full.

The sloping roofline trims rear headroom, and the middle seat sits over a raised floor hump.

Now for the headline number: 1,800kg braked towing capacity on every grade. The 2WD RAV4 Hybrid manages 800kg and the AWD RAV4 Hybrid 1,500kg. The petrol Tucson does 1,650kg and the Tucson Hybrid 1,900kg. The petrol Forester matches the CX-5 at 1,800kg, and the five-seat petrol CR-V is rated at 1,500kg. If you tow a camper trailer, a boat, or a tandem bike trailer on the regular, that rating is the figure to check against your trailer's loaded weight.

The Mazda CX-5 G25 Pure AWD has 77 kW for every tonne of kerb weight, 242Nm of torque, a claimed 0-100km/h of 8.7s. It weighs 1,720kg and turns in 11.2m. These are the figures that shape how quickly a car gets moving and how easily it parks.

Should You Buy the Mazda CX-5?

Yes, if you want a premium-looking SUV that tows 1,800kg and don't mind paying a bit more at the bowser. The CX-5 looks good, and its cabin materials are a step up for the money. The 1,800kg tow capacity is genuinely useful for active Australian families who tow trailers, boats, or campers. At $39,990 to start, it's also one of the best-value propositions in the segment.

No, if fuel economy is your number one priority. The CX-5 simply cannot match the hybrid SUVs from Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda on running costs. If you drive 20,000km+ per year, the fuel savings of a RAV4 Hybrid or Tucson Hybrid become significant over time. And if you need maximum cargo space, the 466L boot is outgunned by the CR-V (589L) and RAV4 Hybrid (705L).

The CX-5 doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It leans on design, cabin materials, towing and value. For a lot of Australian buyers, that's more than enough.