Renault Koleos 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 Renault Koleos starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Renault Koleos the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
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 $38,489 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Koleos features a 8.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 Renault Koleos stands out with BOSE audio that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Renault Koleos gets leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-5 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Renault Koleos uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 252Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Koleos measures 4,672mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 97mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Koleos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 458L in the Renault Koleos and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Renault Koleos a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Renault Koleos 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.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m 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 $2,223/year for the Renault Koleos and $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Renault Koleos) vs $2,081 (Mazda CX-5). The Mazda CX-5 saves you roughly $142 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Renault Koleos) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The Renault Koleos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Koleos if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Koleos takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-5 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. The Renault Koleos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Renault Koleos and Mazda CX-5?
The Renault Koleos is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $5,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-5 uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Renault Koleos has the largest boot at 458L.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Koleos has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Renault Koleos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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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