Mazda CX-5 vs LDV D90
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 LDV D90 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 $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and LDV D90 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 2 in the LDV D90.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-5 and 6 in the LDV D90.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the LDV D90 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-5 gets cloth upholstery while the LDV D90 offers leatherette.
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 LDV D90 responds with a Petrol Turbo making 184kW and 410Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The LDV D90 has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.8s 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, 471mm shorter than the LDV D90 at 5,046mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the LDV D90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 343L in the LDV D90, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 95L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1340L vs 2382L. The LDV D90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the LDV D90 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,200kg 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 12.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $2,594/year for the LDV D90. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mazda CX-5) vs $2,594 (LDV D90). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $513 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 / 200,000km (LDV D90). The LDV D90 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the LDV D90 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer LDV's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-5 and LDV D90 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-5 will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. The LDV D90 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 LDV D90?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-5 uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and LDV D90 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 LDV D90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The LDV D90 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The LDV D90 makes the most power at 184kW. The Mazda CX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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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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