Mitsubishi Outlander vs Mazda CX-5

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.

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. The Mazda CX-5 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.

The Mitsubishi Outlander features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out with Yamaha audio that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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.

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 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander a 47L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1500L vs 1340L.

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.

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.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.