Mitsubishi Outlander vs Mazda CX-5
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 16 Sep 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander and 90% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda CX-5, against 4 on the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Mitsubishi Outlander
- REC-006322 · published 1 Apr 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering wheel touch sensors may be defective.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005938 · published 17 Apr 2024Due to a software issue with the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) unit, the rear-view camera display may not display the rear camera image as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005692 · published 31 May 2023Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera image may be temporarily disrupted when reversing.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- 22 more on the model page.
Mazda CX-5
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000898 · published 19 Mar 2020The daytime running lights (DRL) may flicker or fail to illuminate while driving.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- REC-000894 · published 10 Oct 2019The affected vehicles may accumulate carbon deposits in the intake shutter valve, in addition to premature wear of certain engine components.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2018
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out with Yamaha audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a cvt automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 132kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander measures 4,720mm long on a 2,706mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,690mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 485L in the Mitsubishi Outlander and 466L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander a 19L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1466L vs 1594L.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Mazda CX-5: Top CarSorted Score, 67 vs 65
The Mazda CX-5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (67 vs 65), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 9), safety (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 7), reliability (Mitsubishi Outlander ahead by 3). The Mazda CX-5 will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. The Mitsubishi Outlander adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-5 uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the largest boot at 485L with the seats up (1,466L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander makes the most power at 135kW.
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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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