Audi Q5 vs Mazda CX-9

What's the difference?

VS
Audi Q5
Audi Q5

2026 price

Mazda CX-9
Mazda CX-9

$23,800 - $52,990

2021 price

Summary

2026 Audi Q5
2021 Mazda CX-9
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type
-

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
-

8.4L/100km (combined)
Seating
0

7
Dislikes
  • Not as resolved behind the wheel
  • Touchscreen everything
  • Back seat surprisingly tight

  • Expensive AWD option
  • Six-seater's compromises
  • Older ANCAP safety rating
2026 Audi Q5 Summary

Audi has sold millions of its Q5 mid-size SUV since it launched in 2009.

The previous version was such a hit it continued to sell in large numbers thanks to tasteful upgrades long past what should have been its use-by date. And that’s what makes this one such a big step for the brand.

It’s the largest and most comprehensive overhaul of the Q5 since its original launch. The brand has thrown out the rule book and started fresh. Everything this time around is new.

Was it worth the wait? Does the new one have what it takes to live up to the popularity of the previous version? We attended the Australian launch to find out.

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2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi Q5 2021 Mazda CX-9

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