Mazda MX-5 vs Renault Koleos
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 Renault Koleos opens at $34,990. That makes the Renault Koleos the more affordable entry point by $6,530.
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 $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda MX-5 by roughly $1,425 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 Renault Koleos gets a 8.7-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The Renault Koleos counters with Apple CarPlay and BOSE audio 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 Renault Koleos offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5 and 2-zone in the Renault Koleos.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 lines up producing 97kW and 152Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout.
The Renault Koleos responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Renault Koleos has the clear power advantage at 140kW 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, 757mm shorter than the Renault Koleos at 4,672mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Koleos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 458L in the Renault Koleos, giving the Renault Koleos a 328L advantage. The Renault Koleos seats 5 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.6m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 $2,223/year for the Renault Koleos. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Mazda MX-5) vs $2,223 (Renault Koleos). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $285 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 (Renault Koleos). The Renault Koleos 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 Renault Koleos if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Koleos takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Koleos has a clear edge. The Renault Koleos 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 Renault Koleos?
The Renault Koleos is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda MX-5 by $6,530.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda MX-5 and Renault Koleos carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Koleos has the largest boot at 458L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Koleos has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Renault Koleos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Renault Koleos makes the most power at 140kW.
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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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