Nissan X-Trail 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.
Price Breakdown
The Nissan X-Trail starts from $37,750 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $2,240.
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 $41,525 and $43,989 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan X-Trail and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan X-Trail and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan X-Trail packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan X-Trail and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail features a 8-inch touchscreen, 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.
Drivetrain
The Nissan X-Trail lines up producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 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 Nissan X-Trail has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan X-Trail is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan X-Trail measures 4,680mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 105mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 205L in the Nissan X-Trail and 522L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 317L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-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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