Mazda CX-5 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-5

$37,240 - $56,150

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Mazda CX-5

2026 Polestar 2

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

—

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Comfortable, dynamic drive
Practical family interior
Strong safety package

Fun and agile to drive
More efficient and quicker charging
Amazing (yet optional) Bowers & Wilkins sound system

Dislikes

No hybrid option
Engine can feel sluggish
No rear charging ports

Cabin space and storage still compromised
Options add up quick
No cover for panoramic glass roof

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?

2026 Polestar 2 Summary

The Polestar 2 was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia to break through to the mainstream, however it has always been relegated to the Tesla Model 3’s shadow.

As a result Polestar is constantly playing catch up, releasing update after update for this premium-pushing electric liftback. The most notable was a major mid-life update in 2024.

Two years after this, Polestar has just rolled out the 2026 model year (MY26) update which introduces a range of subtle changes, largely under the surface.

It comes as Polestar is now introducing newer models, there’s mounting pressure from legacy carmakers who are only now catching up to EV tech, and Australians are moving away from buying passenger cars to SUVs.

Has this latest update improved the appeal? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mazda CX-5 2026 Polestar 2

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

This latest update for the Polestar 2 is lovely, but driving the original is a reminder of how solid this car has always been if you overlook the inherent impracticalities of being an EV on a combustion-engine platform.

The fact you still get steady flow of over-the-air software updates bringing new features, plus you can now upgrade to the new Qualcomm processor chip, saving some coin and getting a second-hand model that’s a couple of years old isn’t a bad option at all.

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

Mazda CX-5 vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-5 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?