Mazda CX-5 vs Jeep Compass
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

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-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mazda CX-5

2022 Jeep Compass

By Emily Agar

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

Overall drive experience
Badly executed driver assist systems
Poor value for money

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?

2022 Jeep Compass Summary

The Jeep Compass is something of a unicorn among the long list of small SUVs sold in Australia. It is now the only model in either the light or small-SUV category that is available with a diesel engine.

That diesel is found under the bonnet of just one variant – the rugged Trailhawk which is also the flagship of the range.

Aside from Suzuki’s adorable Jimny light SUV, the Compass Trailhawk is the only small SUV with some off-road ability.

After going on sale in Australia in late 2017, the second-generation Compass was overhauled as part of a mid-life update in 2021. Aside from subtle styling tweaks, the biggest change was a new multimedia system.

Has Jeep done enough to lift the Compass from an also-ran to a model that buyers should consider, or was the update too little, too late?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-5 2022 Jeep Compass

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 Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a curious beast. On the one hand, it looks pretty cool, and it has a well-executed new interior, featuring one of the best multimedia set-ups in the business. It’s spacious and has a long list of standard comfort and safety gear.

Sadly, that’s where the positives end.

It is way too expensive for what you get, especially when you consider the quality of some of its rivals from mainstream and premium brands.

The driver assist features are badly in need of recalibration and the overall drive experience is a letdown.

If you really want a diesel-powered small SUV, perhaps look at one of the much better diesel models at the smaller end of the medium-SUV segment.

Mazda CX-5 vs Jeep Compass What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-5 vs Jeep Compass
What's the difference?