Mazda CX-5 vs Kia Sportage
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 Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sportage by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 87% for the Kia Sportage.
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 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-5 and 6 in the Kia Sportage.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sportage is 0.2s 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, 110mm shorter than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 21L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,767 (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $342 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 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The Kia Sportage 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, Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 132kW. The Kia Sportage is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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