Mazda CX-5 vs Renault Arkana

The Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Renault Arkana 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 Renault Arkana by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.

Both the Mazda CX-5 and Renault Arkana hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Arkana packs more ADAS features with 6 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 6 in the Renault Arkana.

The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Renault Arkana gets a 9.3-inch display and 7-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 Renault Arkana. The Renault Arkana counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mazda CX-5 lines up 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 Renault Arkana lines up making 105kW and 205Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.

The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,575mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 7mm longer than the Renault Arkana at 4,568mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Arkana generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 430L in the Renault Arkana, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 92L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.

Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,482 (Renault Arkana). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years (Mazda CX-5) vs 5 years (Renault Arkana). Both match on warranty length.