Skoda Kodiaq vs Mazda CX-90
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 Skoda Kodiaq starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. That makes the Skoda Kodiaq the more affordable entry point by $19,395.
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 $60,489 and $81,824 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Kodiaq by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Skoda Kodiaq and Mazda CX-90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Skoda Kodiaq and 91% for the Mazda CX-90.
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 7 in the Skoda Kodiaq and 6 in the Mazda CX-90.
Feature Showdown
The Skoda Kodiaq features a 13-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-90 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Skoda Kodiaq stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Kodiaq uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-90 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Kodiaq measures 4,758mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 362mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the Skoda Kodiaq and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the Skoda Kodiaq a 13L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2005L vs 2025L.
For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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 $1,824/year for the Skoda Kodiaq and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Skoda Kodiaq) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). The Skoda Kodiaq saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Kodiaq) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). The Skoda Kodiaq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Kodiaq will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. The Skoda Kodiaq adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Skoda Kodiaq and Mazda CX-90?
The Skoda Kodiaq is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-90 by $19,395.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Kodiaq uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Skoda Kodiaq and Mazda CX-90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the largest boot at 270L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Mazda CX-90 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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