CUPRA Formentor vs Mazda CX-5

The CUPRA Formentor starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $10,000.

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 $54,989 and $43,989 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the CUPRA Formentor by roughly $2,705 in fuel alone.

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

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Formentor packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mazda CX-5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the CUPRA Formentor and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.

The CUPRA Formentor features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The CUPRA Formentor stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The CUPRA Formentor uses a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.

The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The CUPRA Formentor measures 4,450mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 240mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,690mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 420L in the CUPRA Formentor and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 18L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,568/year for the CUPRA Formentor and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Formentor.

Estimated annual total: $1,568 (CUPRA Formentor) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The CUPRA Formentor saves you roughly $541 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.