Mazda CX-5 vs Jeep Compass
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 Jeep Compass opens at $50,500. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $10,510.
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 $55,550 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Jeep Compass by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
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 Jeep Compass gets a 10.1-inch display and 10.3-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 Jeep Compass. The Jeep Compass counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. 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 Jeep Compass responds with a Petrol I4 Mild Hybrid + 48V making 96kW and 240Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.3s quicker. 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, 171mm longer than the Jeep Compass at 4,404mm (2,636mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 438L in the Jeep Compass.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,450kg. That 350kg 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 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,454/year for the Jeep Compass. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Jeep Compass.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mazda CX-5) vs $1,454 (Jeep Compass). The Jeep Compass 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 (Mazda CX-5) vs 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Compass). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Jeep Compass if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Jeep Compass will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. 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 Jeep Compass?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Jeep Compass by $10,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jeep Compass uses the least fuel at 5.1L/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 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 140kW. The Mazda CX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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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