Renault Arkana vs Mazda CX-5

The Renault Arkana 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 favour the Renault Arkana by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.

Both the Renault Arkana and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Renault Arkana and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Arkana 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 6 in the Renault Arkana and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.

The Renault Arkana features a 9.3-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.

The Renault Arkana stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Renault Arkana uses a Petrol producing 105kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 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 Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Renault Arkana measures 4,568mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 7mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Arkana generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 430L in the Renault Arkana and 522L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 92L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.

Estimated annual total: $1,482 (Renault Arkana) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Arkana) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.