Audi Q5 vs Mazda CX-90

The Audi Q5 starts from $80,900 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $6,515.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $88,990 and $81,824 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q5 by roughly $3,560 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi Q5 and Mazda CX-90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 91% for the Mazda CX-90.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q5 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mazda CX-90.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q5 and 6 in the Mazda CX-90. The Audi Q5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-90 misses.

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-90 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-90 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 403mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the Audi Q5 a 263L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q5 and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q5.

Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q5) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). The Audi Q5 saves you roughly $712 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Audi Q5)—.