Mazda CX-5 vs Cupra Ateca
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Cupra Ateca

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Mazda CX-5

2025 Cupra Ateca

By Emily Agar

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

7.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

The 'mysterious' brand
Volkswagen quality and engineering
Lower price into the Ateca model

Dislikes

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

Safety tech could be more cutting edge
Fuel economy on the high side
No head-up display

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?

2025 Cupra Ateca Summary

Not many people even know what a Cupra Ateca V is… and this is the second best thing about this small SUV. The first best thing is that Cupra is owned by Volkswagen.

So, this means you can have your mysterious SUV not many other people drive while knowing it’s underpinned by one of the largest car manufacturers in the world which makes cars millions of people drive and one which also has a reputation for high quality vehicles.

The big news here is the Ateca model range has a new and lower entry fee with the arrival of this V grade. See, until now the only Ateca Australians could buy is the high-performance VZx which while really sporty also came with a pretty big price tag.

So, how much is the Ateca V and what do you get for the money? We found this out at the Australian launch along with how practical and safe it is and what it’s like to drive.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-5 2025 Cupra Ateca

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.

Verdict

The Cupra Ateca V is a much needed more affordable way into this small SUV while still offering a high-end feeling with plenty of standard features. Yes, the V isn't as high-powered as the VZx but it's still great to drive in the city and on the open road. Big on the inside and small on the outside the Cupra Ateca can perform urban and (small) family duties well.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Mazda CX-5 vs Cupra Ateca What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-5 vs Cupra Ateca
What's the difference?