Mazda CX-5 vs Skoda Kodiaq
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 Kodiaq opens at $54,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $15,000.
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 $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Kodiaq by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Kodiaq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 89% for the Skoda Kodiaq.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Kodiaq 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 7 in the Skoda Kodiaq.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Kodiaq gets a 13-inch display. 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 Skoda Kodiaq. The Skoda Kodiaq counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Skoda Kodiaq responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 0.4s 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, 183mm shorter than the Skoda Kodiaq at 4,758mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Kodiaq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 270L in the Skoda Kodiaq, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 168L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1340L vs 2005L. The Skoda Kodiaq seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Skoda Kodiaq leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 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 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $1,824/year for the Skoda Kodiaq. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,824 (Skoda Kodiaq). The Skoda Kodiaq saves you roughly $257 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 Kodiaq). The Skoda Kodiaq 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, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, 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 Kodiaq will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. The Skoda Kodiaq 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 Kodiaq?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Kodiaq by $15,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Kodiaq uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Kodiaq 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 Skoda Kodiaq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 140kW. 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!
