Audi Q5 vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

Audi Q5

$82,500 - $100,400

2026 price

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Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Audi Q5

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.7L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Interior glow-up is gorgeous
Comfortable ride with well-tuned suspension
Strong standard tech and safety features

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

Still manages to remind you its a base-grade
Rear seat & boot space on smaller side
Steering assist tends to overcorrect

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

2026 Audi Q5 Summary

Audi’s latest Q5 Sportback brings mild-hybrid power, updated underpinnings, more technology and a genuinely impressive interior glow-up.

It’s clearly aimed at buyers drawn to a more athletic take on the mid-size SUV, where style plays a bigger role than outright practicality. We're testing the base petrol spec to see how it sits alongside the BMW X4 xDrive20i, Genesis GV70 2.5T and Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe.

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2026 Mazda CX-5 Summary

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here, promising to be bigger, better and bolder, with fresh styling, sharper handling and more technology. But in a market where hybrid power is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, has Mazda left the CX-5 at a disadvantage? I’ve spent a week with the Evolve grade to find out for you.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-5?

Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi Q5 2026 Mazda CX-5

Verdict

The updated Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI is a strong example of a luxury base-grade SUV, ticking most of the boxes in styling, comfort and features. It may not always outperform its rivals on paper, but it delivers where it counts, offering a refined, practical and engaging package that will satisfy.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 Evolve kicks some goals and with its comfortable on-road handling, robust safety equipment and practical interior, it’s still a solid choice for families looking for a mid-sized SUV. The only thing it’s missing is a hybrid powertrain, which would make this already well-rounded package even more compelling.

Audi Q5 vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q5 vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?