Skoda Karoq 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 Skoda Karoq starts from $40,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $45,089 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Karoq by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Skoda Karoq and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Skoda Karoq and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Karoq 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 Skoda Karoq and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The Skoda Karoq features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Karoq uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 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.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Karoq is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Karoq measures 4,382mm long on a 2,638mm wheelbase, 193mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 521L in the Skoda Karoq and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Skoda Karoq a 83L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg 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 $1,767/year for the Skoda Karoq and $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Skoda Karoq) vs $2,081 (Mazda CX-5). The Skoda Karoq saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The Skoda Karoq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Karoq takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Skoda Karoq will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Karoq has a clear edge. The Skoda Karoq 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, Skoda Karoq and Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Karoq by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Karoq uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Skoda Karoq 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 Skoda Karoq has the largest boot at 521L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Karoq has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 140kW. The Skoda Karoq is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
