Ford Everest vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

Ford Everest

$58,990 - $83,417

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 G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

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

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Ford Everest

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Marcus Craft

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.1L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Comfortable on-road
Capable off-road
Solid value-for-money

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

Doesn't have '4Auto' mode
Doesn't have Rock/Crawl drive mode
Doesn't have a 360-degree camera view

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

2026 Ford Everest Summary

Hold back your tears. The Ford Everest Ambiente and Trend have been dumped and a new variant, the Active, is now the entry-grade in a revamped Everest line-up.

The Active has a newly offered 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces less power and torque than the twin-turbo engine it replaces – down 29kW and 95Nm, respectively.

So, does the new engine make the Everest any better or worse on- and off-road? And does it yield improved fuel economy?

Read on.

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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 Ford Everest 2026 Mazda CX-5

Verdict

The Ford Everest has always been an impressive 4WD wagon, with useful day-to-day driveability and real off-road capability.

As standard, it has a lot going for it. It’s quiet and refined on-road, very capable off-road and it’s packed with features.

The 2.0-litre single-turbo Active is a solid entry-point into the Everest line-up and, though it lacks the polish of its higher-spec stablemates and doesn’t yield the kind of improvement in fuel economy you might have hoped for, it makes a strong case as a touring vehicle with plenty of aftermarket-build potential.

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.

Ford Everest vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Everest vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?