GWM Ora 5 vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?

GWM Ora 5

$30,490 - $35,490

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

View pricing & specs

BYD Atto 2

BYD Atto 3

BYD Sealion 5

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2026 GWM Ora 5

2026 Mazda CX-5

By Chris Thompson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

—

Inline 4, 2.5L

Vehicle type

—

Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

—

7.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Improved dynamics
Improved ergonomics
Improved value

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Dislikes

Divisive styling
Distracting software
Underwhelming range

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

2026 GWM Ora 5 Summary

GWM’s second attempt at launching the Ora brand in Australia seems much better planned than the first.

While the electric Ora hatchback wasn’t expensive, divisive styling and some messy ergonomics plagued what felt like an undercooked model both in terms of dynamics and packaging.

So this, the 2026 GWM Ora 5 SUV, is ‘take two’.

It arrives with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune.

Can this ensure GWM’s cutesy electric car brand is taken seriously and help it catch up to its cousins Haval, Tank and Cannon?

We drove a Flamingo Pink example from inner-Melbourne out into the scenic Yarra Valley for its Australian launch to find out.

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Interested in a Mazda CX-5?

Deep dive comparison

2026 GWM Ora 5 2026 Mazda CX-5

Verdict

While the Ora 5 still has a relatively divisive design that will turn off a chunk of those looking for a small electric SUV, the improvements made when compared to the hatch launched years ago make it worth a second look.

The interior is much more user-friendly, there are more features and a more sensible variant line-up, and the ride and handling localisation means you might actually want to drive it out of the city on occasion.

Regardless, the Ora 5 needs to be a lot more competitive than the Ora hatch was, because the market is so much busier with affordable rivals now. Fortunately, the value proposition is indeed much better than before, especially given the Ultra is only $3000 more than the Lux.

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.

GWM Ora 5 vs Mazda CX-5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

GWM Ora 5 vs Mazda CX-5
What's the difference?