Mazda CX-5 vs Lexus UX
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 Lexus UX opens at $46,900. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $6,910.
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 $51,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-5 and Lexus UX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Mazda CX-5 and 96% for the Lexus UX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus UX 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 8 in the Lexus UX.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus UX gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus UX counters with heated front seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting 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 Lexus UX responds with a Petrol making 126kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 126kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.0s 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, 80mm longer than the Lexus UX at 4,495mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Mazda CX-5 and 217L in the Lexus UX, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 221L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 Lexus UX. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mazda CX-5) vs $2,052 (Lexus UX). The Lexus UX 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 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX). The Mazda CX-5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus UX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus UX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus UX will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 has a clear edge. The Mazda CX-5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Lexus UX?
The Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus UX by $6,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus UX uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-5 and Lexus UX 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 has the best warranty?
The Mazda CX-5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
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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