Mazda CX-6e vs Volkswagen ID.5
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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-6e starts from $59,106 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.5 opens at $65,990. That makes the Mazda CX-6e the more affordable entry point by $6,884.
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 $65,017 and $72,589 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-6e and Volkswagen ID.5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mazda CX-6e and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-6e misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-6e features a 26.5-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen ID.5 gets a 12.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-6e stands out with ventilated seats that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 counters with heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-6e uses a Electric producing 190kW and 290Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Volkswagen ID.5 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 77.9kWh (Mazda CX-6e) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.5), giving WLTP ranges of 484km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Mazda CX-6e) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.5).
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-6e measures 4,850mm long on a 2,902mm wheelbase, 266mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.5 at 4,584mm (2,769mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-6e generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 468L in the Mazda CX-6e and 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5, giving the Volkswagen ID.5 a 81L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-6e leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-6e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-6e if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-6e and Volkswagen ID.5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.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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