Mazda CX-60 vs Audi SQ5
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

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Audi SQ5

$49,990 - $89,950

2022 price

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Summary

2025 Mazda CX-60

2022 Audi SQ5

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

7.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Style with little sacrifice
Plenty of on-board tech
SQ5 is a fun and engaging drive

Dislikes

Some suspension noise intrusion
Oddly dated styling inside and out
Still a premium-priced Mazda

Price penalty for Sportback
Regular Q5 Sportback more premium than performance-focused
Cabin not quite premium at every touchpoint

2025 Mazda CX-60 Summary

A good car in its own right, the Mazda CX-60 has nevertheless been one of the most disappointing new-model releases of recent times.

After the ongoing critical and commercial success of the CX-5, its somewhat larger premium mid-sized sibling should have been a slam dunk, with BMW-evoking longitudinal drivetrain and terrific in-line six-cylinder engine choices, as well as the surprisingly far-sighted option of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from the get-go.

Yet, when launched internationally during 2022, the quality, packaging and performance were overshadowed by high prices, a jarring ride, odd handling and erratic transmission calibration, particularly in the aforementioned PHEV.

Now there’s been a wholesale re-think surrounding all of the CX-60’s objectionable systems, as well as a new, lower priced grade, among other updates.

Is it the SUV Mazda should have launched in the first place? Let’s find out.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-60?

2022 Audi SQ5 Summary

The Audi Q5 now has a sportier-looking sibling, with the German brand's all-time best-selling SUV welcoming a sleeker, more aggressive solution it calls its Sportback range.

And look, spoiler alert, it looks better than the regular Q5. It's as simple as that. So if that's all you're here to find out, feel free to close the laptop, put the phone away, and move on with your day.

But you'd be doing yourself a disservice, because there are more questions to be answered here. Like will you paying in on-board comfort for this new raked roofline? Do the Sportback's sporty intentions make for a more annoying daily drive? And how much does Audi want you to pay for one?

All these questions and more answered. So stay with me.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mazda CX-60 2022 Audi SQ5

Verdict

Have no doubts. The MY25 version of the CX-60 is the SUV that Mazda should have launched in Australia in 2023.

It fulfils the promise of its sophisticated specification, builds on the extensive dynamic abilities of previous models, and now provides a compelling – and unique – choice for medium-SUV buyers who do not need an extended seven-seater.

It may still looks a bit daggy from some angles outside, and we’d like a little bit less suspension noise on the inside, but the CX-60 should now be on Australian family-car shortlists.

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

Verdict

Let’s forget the money, for a second, because yes, you’re paying more for the Sportback variant. But if you can afford it, then why wouldn’t you. This is a sleeker, sportier and more stylish answer to the regular Q5, which was already a super-solid offering in the segment. And as far as I can tell, the practicality sacrifices you have to make are minimal at best.

So why not?

Mazda CX-60 vs Audi SQ5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-60 vs Audi SQ5
What's the difference?