Mazda CX-80 vs BMW iX1
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-80 starts from $64,490 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX1 opens at $78,900. That makes the Mazda CX-80 the more affordable entry point by $14,410.
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 $70,939 and $86,790 respectively.
The BMW iX1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-80, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-80 and BMW iX1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mazda CX-80 and 86% for the BMW iX1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-80 and 6 in the BMW iX1.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-80 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW iX1 gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 counters with Harman Kardon audio that the Mazda CX-80 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-80 uses a Petrol producing 209kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The BMW iX1 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 247Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Mazda CX-80 has the clear power advantage at 209kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-80 measures 4,990mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 490mm longer than the BMW iX1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 258L in the Mazda CX-80 and 500L in the BMW iX1, giving the BMW iX1 a 242L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-80 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX1 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW iX1 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, Mazda CX-80 and BMW iX1?
The Mazda CX-80 is the cheapest at $64,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX1 by $14,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-80 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-80 and BMW iX1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW iX1 has the largest boot at 500L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-80 makes the most power at 209kW. The BMW iX1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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