Mazda CX-5 vs Ford Everest
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 Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Ford Everest opens at $59,490. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $19,500.
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 $43,989 and $65,439 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Everest hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 86% for the Ford Everest.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Ford Everest packs more ADAS features with 7 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 6 in the Mazda CX-5 and 9 in the Ford Everest.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Ford Everest gets a 10.1-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Ford Everest. The Ford Everest counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-5 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 252Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Ford Everest responds with a Diesel Bi-Turbo making 154kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
The Ford Everest has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,575mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 403mm shorter than the Ford Everest at 4,978mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Everest generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 259L in the Ford Everest, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 179L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1340L vs 1818L.
For towing, the Ford Everest leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $2,052/year for the Ford Everest. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Ford Everest.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mazda CX-5) vs $2,052 (Ford Everest). The Ford Everest saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Everest). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Everest if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-5 and Ford Everest trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Everest will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-5 and Ford Everest?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Everest by $19,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Everest uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and Ford Everest 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 Ford Everest has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Everest makes the most power at 154kW. The Mazda CX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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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