Geely Starray EM-i vs Mazda CX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Geely Starray EM-i starts from $37,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Geely Starray EM-i the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $41,239 and $43,989 respectively.
The Geely Starray EM-i qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Geely Starray EM-i by roughly $9,830 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Geely Starray EM-i and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-5 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Geely Starray EM-i.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Geely Starray EM-i and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The Geely Starray EM-i features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-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 Geely Starray EM-i stands out with heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Geely Starray EM-i uses a Petrol producing 160kW and 262Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 252Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Geely Starray EM-i has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Geely Starray EM-i is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Geely Starray EM-i measures 4,740mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 165mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely Starray EM-i generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 428L in the Geely Starray EM-i and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 10L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2065L vs 1340L.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $115/year for the Geely Starray EM-i and $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $1,966 annual difference in favour of the Geely Starray EM-i.
Estimated annual total: $115 (Geely Starray EM-i) vs $2,081 (Mazda CX-5). The Geely Starray EM-i saves you roughly $1,966 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The Geely Starray EM-i has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely Starray EM-i takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Geely Starray EM-i will save you roughly $1,966 a year in fuel. The Geely Starray EM-i adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Geely Starray EM-i and Mazda CX-5?
The Geely Starray EM-i is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $2,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Geely Starray EM-i uses the least fuel at 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Geely Starray EM-i and Mazda CX-5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-5 has the largest boot at 438L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Geely Starray EM-i makes the most power at 160kW. The Geely Starray EM-i is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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