Ford Ranger vs Mazda CX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Ford Ranger starts from $37,130 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $2,860.
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 $40,843 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Ranger and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Ford Ranger and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 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 9 in the Ford Ranger and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Ranger features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Ranger stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Ranger uses a Diesel Turbo producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 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 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Ranger measures 5,225mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 650mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Ranger generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Ford Ranger leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg 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 12.9m
Based on 12.9m 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 $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger and $2,081/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Ford Ranger) vs $2,081 (Mazda CX-5). The Ford Ranger saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford Ranger and Mazda CX-5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Ranger will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Ranger and Mazda CX-5?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-5 by $2,860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford Ranger and 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 Ford Ranger has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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