Mazda CX-5 vs Jaecoo J7 SHS
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 Jaecoo J7 SHS opens at $43,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $43,989 and $48,389 respectively.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS 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 Jaecoo J7 SHS by roughly $10,255 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Jaecoo J7 SHS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 81% for the Jaecoo J7 SHS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jaecoo J7 SHS packs more ADAS features with 9 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 8 in the Jaecoo J7 SHS. The Jaecoo J7 SHS adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Jaecoo J7 SHS gets a 13.2-inch display and 10.3-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 Jaecoo J7 SHS. The Jaecoo J7 SHS 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 132kW and 242Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 145kW and 325Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 0.8s 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, 75mm longer than the Jaecoo J7 SHS at 4,500mm (2,672mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 431L in the Jaecoo J7 SHS, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 91L advantage.
For towing, the Jaecoo J7 SHS leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $58/year for the Jaecoo J7 SHS. That is a $2,051 annual difference in favour of the Jaecoo J7 SHS.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $58 (Jaecoo J7 SHS). The Jaecoo J7 SHS saves you roughly $2,051 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 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J7 SHS). The Jaecoo J7 SHS has longer coverage.
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 Jaecoo J7 SHS if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-5 and Jaecoo J7 SHS trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Jaecoo J7 SHS will save you roughly $2,051 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. The Jaecoo J7 SHS adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. 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 Jaecoo J7 SHS?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Jaecoo J7 SHS by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jaecoo J7 SHS uses the least fuel at 1.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and Jaecoo J7 SHS 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 522L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Jaecoo J7 SHS has the longest warranty at 8 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Jaecoo J7 SHS makes the most power at 145kW. 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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