Volkswagen T-Cross vs Mazda CX-5
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 Volkswagen T-Cross starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Cross the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
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 $38,489 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $2,565 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 Volkswagen T-Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Cross stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 252Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Cross measures 4,108mm long on a 2,563mm wheelbase, 467mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross and 438L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 46L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross and $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs $2,081 (Mazda CX-5). The Volkswagen T-Cross saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda CX-5 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, Volkswagen T-Cross and Mazda CX-5?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $5,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.5L/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 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 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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