Mahindra Scorpio 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mahindra Scorpio starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $43,989 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-5 by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra Scorpio lines up producing 129kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout.
The Mazda CX-5 lines up 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 129kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the Mahindra Scorpio leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Mahindra Scorpio and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mahindra Scorpio) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $200 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra Scorpio) vs 5 years (Mazda CX-5). The Mahindra Scorpio has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra Scorpio if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda CX-5 will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. The Mahindra Scorpio 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.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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