Mazda CX-5 vs Skoda Karoq
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 Skoda Karoq opens at $40,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $45,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Karoq by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Karoq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 93% for the Skoda Karoq.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Karoq 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 Skoda Karoq.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Karoq gets a 9.2-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 Skoda Karoq responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Karoq is 0.1s 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, 193mm longer than the Skoda Karoq at 4,382mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 1L 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.
11.0m 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 11.0m 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 $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $1,767/year for the Skoda Karoq. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,767 (Skoda Karoq). The Skoda Karoq 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 5 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq). Both match on warranty length.
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 Skoda Karoq if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Karoq will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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