Mazda CX-5 vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV opens at $43,490. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $47,839 respectively.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $10,160 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV gets a 8-inch display. 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.0s 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, 30mm longer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV at 4,545mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 113L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $77/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. That is a $2,032 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $77 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $2,032 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV will save you roughly $2,032 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 132kW. 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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
