Mazda CX-5 vs Mahindra Scorpio N
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 Mazda CX-5 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Mahindra Scorpio N opens at $48,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $9,000.
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 $43,989 and $53,889 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 Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mahindra Scorpio N gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mahindra Scorpio N. The Mahindra Scorpio N counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Sony audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-5 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 252Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Mahindra Scorpio N responds with a 2.2L mHawk Turbo Diesel making 129kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 129kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-5 measures 4,575mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 87mm shorter than the Mahindra Scorpio N at 4,662mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mahindra Scorpio N generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mahindra Scorpio N leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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 $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $2,052/year for the Mahindra Scorpio N. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Mahindra Scorpio N.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mazda CX-5) vs $2,052 (Mahindra Scorpio N). The Mahindra Scorpio N saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5) vs 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra Scorpio N). The Mahindra Scorpio N has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mahindra Scorpio N if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-5 and Mahindra Scorpio N trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mahindra Scorpio N will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. The Mahindra Scorpio N 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, Mazda CX-5 and Mahindra Scorpio N?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mahindra Scorpio N by $9,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mahindra Scorpio N uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which can tow the most?
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power at 140kW.
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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