Mazda CX-5 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $53,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $14,000.
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 $59,389 respectively.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $8,655 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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 Mazda CX-5 and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with power tailgate that the Mazda CX-5 does not offer. 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 225kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 225kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 1.7s 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, 135mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 40L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1340L vs 1500L. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. 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 11.0m
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 $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5 and $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,731 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mazda CX-5) vs $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,731 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will save you roughly $1,731 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $14,000.
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 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the largest boot at 478L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the most power at 225kW. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is quickest to 100km/h in 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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