Subaru Crosstrek 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $40,139 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 Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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 Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats 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.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 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 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 195mm 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 291L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 147L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,400kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,052/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Subaru Crosstrek saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Subaru Crosstrek will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Crosstrek and Mazda CX-5?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Crosstrek uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-5 has the largest boot at 438L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 132kW. The Mazda CX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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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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