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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan X-Trail starts from $38,305 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 $1,685.
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 $42,136 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 90% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan X-Trail, against 5 on the Mazda CX-5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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.
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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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, 10mm shorter 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 585L in the Nissan X-Trail and 466L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Nissan X-Trail a 119L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 782L vs 1594L.
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.2m
Based on 11.1m 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 $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (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, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (66 vs 67), taking 5 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: technology (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 16), practicality (Nissan X-Trail ahead by 6), reliability (Mazda CX-5 ahead by 5). If boot space matters, the Nissan X-Trail has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan X-Trail and Mazda CX-5?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $38,305 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $1,685.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan X-Trail uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail has the largest boot at 585L with the seats up (782L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan X-Trail has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan X-Trail makes the most power at 135kW. The Nissan X-Trail is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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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