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.
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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 $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Karoq gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-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 Skoda Karoq responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 8 speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 300mm longer than the Skoda Karoq at 4,390mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Skoda Karoq a 83L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $1,881/year for the Skoda Karoq. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,881 (Skoda Karoq). The Skoda Karoq saves you roughly $228 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 (Skoda Karoq). The Skoda Karoq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Karoq will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Karoq has a clear edge. The Skoda Karoq 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 Skoda Karoq?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Karoq by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Karoq uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Karoq carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Karoq has the largest boot at 521L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Karoq has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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.
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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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