Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota C-HR
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 Toyota C-HR opens at $38,990. That makes the Toyota C-HR 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 $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota C-HR by roughly $3,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota C-HR hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 85% for the Toyota C-HR.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 10.5-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 Toyota C-HR. The Toyota C-HR counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 112kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 112kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR 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 4,575mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 215mm longer than the Toyota C-HR at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 522L in the Mazda CX-5 and 318L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 204L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m 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 $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR. That is a $769 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,340 (Toyota C-HR). The Toyota C-HR saves you roughly $769 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 (Toyota C-HR). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-5 and Toyota C-HR trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $769 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. 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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