Mazda MX-5 vs KGM Musso
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 MX-5 starts from $41,520 before on-road costs, while the KGM Musso opens at $40,500. That makes the KGM Musso the more affordable entry point by $1,020.
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 $45,672 and $44,550 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda MX-5 by roughly $2,565 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 MX-5 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the KGM Musso gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The KGM Musso counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda MX-5 gets cloth upholstery while the KGM Musso offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 lines up producing 97kW and 152Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout.
The KGM Musso responds with a Turbo DDi Diesel making 133kW and 400Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The KGM Musso has the clear power advantage at 133kW vs 97kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 1190mm shorter than the KGM Musso at 5,105mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Musso generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 532L in the KGM Musso, giving the KGM Musso a 402L advantage. The KGM Musso seats 5 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 12.2m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.2m 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 $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $2,451/year for the KGM Musso. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Mazda MX-5) vs $2,451 (KGM Musso). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Musso). The KGM Musso has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the KGM Musso if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The KGM Musso takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the KGM Musso has a clear edge. The KGM Musso 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 MX-5 and KGM Musso?
The KGM Musso is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda MX-5 by $1,020.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — KGM Musso all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The KGM Musso has the largest boot at 532L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Musso has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The KGM Musso has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The KGM Musso makes the most power at 133kW.
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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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