Mazda CX-60 v Mazda CX-5 2024 Comparison

The Mazda CX-5 has been the Japanese brand’s top-selling model since it appeared in 2012 and the second-generation version released in 2017 remains one of Australia’s most popular mid-size SUVs.

But is the newer and more upmarket Mazda CX-60 released in mid-2023 a better alternative for modern Aussie families?

Both are five-seat medium SUVs but the CX-60 offers more passenger and cargo space and also has greater towing capability alongside its premium pitch.

Our experts have driven the top-spec 2024 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera Turbo AWD automatic and the entry-level Mazda CX-60 G40e Evolve automatic – here’s their pick on how to choose between the two.

The Mazda CX-5 is a popular mainstay family SUV while the CX-60 is a newer, more premium medium SUV packed with luxury features to target buyers considering European SUVs.

While both have five seats, the CX-60 is longer – meaning more passenger space and a larger cargo area.

As a model line-up, the CX-60 also offers 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engines matched as standard to all-wheel drive, while the CX-5 is only available with 2.0- and 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines, driving the front or all four wheels. The CX-60 also offers an advanced 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain that is not offered in the CX-5.

The premium focus brings high equipment levels across the range for the CX-60, whereas the CX-5 is offered in more affordable entry-level variants spread across a slightly wider model range – 10 variants compared to nine for the CX-60 (so far).

Reflecting that, CX-60 pricing starts just above $60,000 and stretch to almost $87,000 (plus on-road costs), while CX-5 prices start at $36,590 and top out at just over $55,000.

No. We’ve chosen the most expensive 2024 Mazda CX-5 Akera Turbo AWD, which at $55,000 plus ORCs costs about $5500 less than the entry-level CX-60 G40e Evolve AWD ($60,550 plus ORCs).

Both have a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, keyless entry/start and sat-nav, but the CX-5 has a 10-speaker BOSE system to the CX-60’s eight-speaker audio.

The CX-5 also has leather seat trim rather than ‘Maztex’ upholstery in the CX-60, and its front seats are power-adjustable and heated – as is the CX-5’s steering wheel – while the CX-60’s are manual and lack heating.

There are other minor CX-5 advantages, too: both have power-folding, auto-adjusting mirrors but the CX-5’s are heated. Both have a powered tailgate but the CX-5’s is hands-free. And the CX-5 has two 12-volt power outlets compared to just one in the CX-60.

Yes. The CX-60 was rewarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating from a Euro NCAP crash test in 2021.

It has 10 airbags including a front-centre airbag, as well as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with ‘turn across traffic’ detection and rear-cross traffic alert.

There’s also blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping and speed sign recognition and the CX-60 also has hill descent control, unlike the CX-5.

The CX-5 was also awarded a five-star ANCAP rating, but that was under a less stringent test regime way back in 2017 and is no longer valid.

The CX-5 has six airbags and AEB (without the CX-60’s turning across traffic detection), plus adaptive cruise control with Cruising and Traffic Support (not fitted to the CX-60).

Like the CX-60, it also has Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

The 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Evolve is the winner here. It has an official lower fuel consumption than the CX-5 Akera Turbo, despite the CX-60’s larger, more powerful six-cylinder engine.

That’s helped by a 48V electric motor in the CX-60’s transmission, which is where the ‘e’ in the ‘G40e’ name comes from and makes it a mild-hybrid.

Mazda claims a combined official fuel economy figure of 8.2L/100km for the CX-5 Akera Turbo, compared to a more frugal 7.4L/100km for the CX-60.

In the real world, carsales averaged 9.3L/100km on a short 34km loop in the CX-60 G40e, but that figure is likely to reduce on longer runs.

While both have the same five-year/unlimited-km Mazda warranty and five years of roadside assistance – but the CX-60 costs more per service.

According to Mazda’s price calculator, the CX-60 costs $3360 for the first five years of servicing, while the CX-5 costs $2505 over the same period.

Yes.

In terms of passenger space, the Mazda CX-60 and the slightly wider but shorter CX-5 are closely matched and both have climate-control air-conditioning with face-level air-vents in the second row and a 40:20:40-split folding rear seat for access to the boot area.

But cargo space is where the CX-60 pulls ahead. The boot area of the CX-60 is a substantial 477 litres, versus the CX-5’s 438L. With the rear seat folded, that expands to a generous 1726L in the CX-60 and just 1340L in the CX-5.

Both models have two ISOFIX points and three top-tether child seat anchorage points.

But the CX-60 has an official 2500kg braked towing capacity compared to the CX-5’s 2000kg.

Yes.

While both are all-wheel drive, the CX-60 has more power, a tighter turning circle and crisper handling, although the ride is firmer.

With 209kW/450Nm from its 3.3-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine versus 170kW/420Nm from the CX-5’s 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, the CX-60 easily out-accelerates the CX-5 from 0-100km/h – despite carrying more 191kg weight.

The CX-5 Akera rides on bigger 19-inch wheels than the CX-60 G40e’s 18s, but the smaller wheels give the CX-60 a tighter turning circle (10.8m against 11.0m), making it slightly more manoeuvrable in carparks.

There’s a lot to like about both these mid-size Mazda SUVs and, despite being almost seven years old, the CX-5’s good looks, sporty ride/handling package and solid value equation still justify its position as one of the nation’s most popular SUVs.

But although it’s more expensive, the CX-60 trumps the CX-5 in almost every area, including interior and exterior design, cabin ergonomics and quality, standard equipment and – because it rides on a brand-new rear-biassed all-wheel drive platform powered by bigger six-cylinder engines – refinement and both engine and chassis performance.

How much does the 2024 Mazda CX-60 cost?
G40e Evolve AWD – $60,550
*Price excludes on-road costs

How much does the 2024 Mazda CX-5 cost?
G35 Akera Turbo AWD – $55,000
*Price excludes on-road costs