Mazda CX-5 vs Mitsubishi ASX Australia

When comparing compact SUVs in the Australian market, the Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi ASX stand out as popular choices, yet they cater to distinctly different buyer priorities. The CX-5, a benchmark in the segment, offers a more refined driving experience, premium interior materials, and a powerful engine lineup.

In contrast, the Mitsubishi ASX prioritizes value, affordability, and a proven, reliable platform, making it a budget-friendly option for families. This comparison highlights how these two vehicles diverge on key attributes like performance, technology, and practicality, helping Australian consumers decide which compact SUV best suits their lifestyle and budget.

Mazda CX-5 vs Mitsubishi ASX Australia: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Popular Compact SUVs

When choosing a compact SUV in Australia, the Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi ASX are two strong contenders, each appealing to different buyer priorities. The Mazda CX-5 is renowned for its premium interior, engaging driving dynamics, and modern safety features, while the Mitsubishi ASX offers exceptional value, a long warranty, and proven reliability at a lower price point.

This detailed comparison covers design, performance, technology, and practicality to help you decide which SUV best suits your Australian driving needs.

Design and Interior Quality: Premium Refinement vs Practical Affordability

The Mazda CX-5 stands out with its Kodo design language, featuring sleek curves, a bold grille, and high-quality materials inside. The cabin is a class above, with soft-touch surfaces, leather options, and a minimalist layout that feels upscale.

In contrast, the Mitsubishi ASX has a more dated design, with a less refined interior dominated by hard plastics and a busier dashboard; however, it compensates with practicality and roominess, offering good visibility and simplicity, making it a straightforward choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Performance, Fuel Efficiency, and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the Mazda CX-5 typically offers a choice of Skyactiv-G petrol engines, including a punchy 2.5L turbo option providing 170kW of power, paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic and excellent handling thanks to precise steering and G-Vectoring Control.

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The Mitsubishi ASX mainly features a 2.0L petrol engine with 110kW, which is adequate but less refined and fuel-efficient; its CVT transmission prioritises economy over sportiness, and while ride comfort is decent, the overall driving experience is less engaging compared to the Mazda's dynamic feel.

Safety, Warranty, and Total Cost of Ownership

The Mazda CX-5 comes with a high safety rating (5-star ANCAP) and comprehensive i-Activsense driver-assist features as standard, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, paired with a typical 5-year/unlimited-km warranty.

The Mitsubishi ASX also holds a 5-star ANCAP rating but some advanced safety features are limited to higher trims; its standout advantage is Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km warranty (with conditions), plus lower purchase prices and generally cheaper service costs, making it a low-risk, value-driven choice for long-term ownership.

Mazda CX-5 vs Mitsubishi ASX: A Detailed Comparison for Australian Buyers

Is the Mazda CX-5 larger than the Mitsubishi ASX in Australia?

The Mazda CX-5 is significantly larger than the Mitsubishi ASX in Australia across key dimensions, including length, width, height, and wheelbase.

The CX-5 measures approximately 4,550 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. In contrast, the Mitsubishi ASX is smaller, with a length of about 4,365 mm, width of 1,810 mm, height of 1,640 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,670 mm.

This size difference translates to a more spacious interior and larger cargo capacity in the CX-5, making it better suited for families or those needing extra room, while the ASX is more compact and city-friendly.

Exterior Dimensions Comparison Between Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi ASX in Australia

Length, Width, and Height Differences

The Mazda CX-5 is larger than the Mitsubishi ASX in all major exterior dimensions, contributing to its more substantial road presence and interior space.

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1. The Mazda CX-5 has a length of 4,550 mm, which is 185 mm longer than the Mitsubishi ASX's 4,365 mm, offering more legroom and cargo space.
2. In width, the CX-5 measures 1,840 mm, while the ASX is 1,810 mm wide, providing a slightly broader cabin for passengers.
3. The height of the CX-5 is 1,680 mm, compared to the ASX's 1,640 mm, giving it a taller stance and potentially more headroom.

Interior Space and Passenger Comfort in Both Models

Cabin Room and Seating Capacity

The larger exterior dimensions of the Mazda CX-5 directly influence its interior, offering more room for passengers, particularly in the rear seats, compared to the Mitsubishi ASX.

1. The Mazda CX-5 provides approximately 1,020 mm of rear legroom, while the Mitsubishi ASX offers around 950 mm, making the CX-5 more comfortable for taller occupants.
2. Front headroom in the CX-5 is 1,010 mm, versus 990 mm in the ASX, allowing for a more open feel in the driver's area.
3. Shoulder room in the CX-5 measures 1,450 mm in the front, while the ASX has 1,400 mm, giving the CX-5 an advantage for wider passengers.

Cargo Capacity and Practicality Differences

Boot Space and Storage Options

The Mazda CX-5 offers a larger cargo area than the Mitsubishi ASX, enhancing its practicality for luggage or everyday use in Australia.

1. The CX-5 has a boot capacity of 438 liters with the rear seats up, compared to the ASX's 393 liters, providing 45 liters more space for groceries or bags.
2. With the rear seats folded, the CX-5 expands to 1,340 liters, while the ASX reaches only 1,193 liters, making the CX-5 better for larger items.
3. The CX-5's wider boot opening, at 1,120 mm, exceeds the ASX's 1,050 mm, simplifying loading of bulky objects like strollers or sports equipment.

Why was the Mitsubishi ASX discontinued in Australia alongside the Mazda CX-5 comparison?

The Mitsubishi ASX was discontinued in Australia due to a combination of aging design, declining sales, and strategic realignment within the Mitsubishi brand, particularly when compared to the Mazda CX-5, which offered superior modern features, performance, and market appeal.

The ASX, originally launched in 2010, remained largely unchanged for over a decade, while the CX-5 underwent regular updates, including advanced safety tech, efficient engines, and refined interiors.

This discrepancy made the CX-5 more competitive in the compact SUV segment, leading to the ASX's phase-out as Mitsubishi shifted focus to newer models like the Eclipse Cross and Outlander.

Market Performance and Sales Decline of the Mitsubishi ASX vs. Mazda CX-5

Comparative Sales Trends and Consumer Preferences

The Mitsubishi ASX experienced a steady decline in sales volumes in Australia from 2020 onwards, while the Mazda CX-5 consistently ranked among the top-selling compact SUVs.

The ASX's outdated platform and limited powertrain options failed to attract buyers seeking modern fuel efficiency and connectivity, whereas the CX-5 offered multiple engine choices, including diesel and turbocharged variants, alongside a responsive infotainment system.

Best SUV between Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi ASX

Consumer feedback highlighted the ASX's cramped rear seating and lack of advanced driver assistance features, which were standard on the CX-5.

1. The ASX's annual sales in Australia dropped from over 10,000 units in 2019 to fewer than 5,000 by 2022, while the CX-5 maintained around 25,000 units yearly.
2. Market surveys indicated that 70% of compact SUV buyers in Australia prioritized safety features and infotainment, areas where the ASX lagged behind.
3. The CX-5's higher resale value and stronger brand perception further eroded the ASX's market share, making it less viable for Mitsubishi to continue production.

Technological and Design Obsolescence of the Mitsubishi ASX

Contrasting Vehicle Architecture and Feature Availability

The Mitsubishi ASX was built on a platform from the late 2000s, which lacked the structural rigidity and modularity of the Mazda CX-5's Skyactiv architecture. The ASX's interior featured dated materials and a small touchscreen, while the CX-5 offered upscale finishes, a larger display, and comprehensive smartphone integration.

The ASX also missed out on key technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which were either optional or unavailable, whereas the CX-5 made them standard from mid-level trims.

1. The ASX's fuel economy averaged 7.6 L/100 km on combined cycles, compared to the CX-5's 6.8 L/100 km, due to the latter's lighter chassis and efficient engines.
2. Crash test ratings from ANCAP showed the CX-5 achieving five stars in 2021, while the ASX remained at a four-star rating from 2014 without recertification.
3. Mitsubishi's decision to not invest in a mid-cycle refresh for the ASX, unlike Mazda's continuous updates for the CX-5, directly contributed to its technological gap.

Strategic Realignment within Mitsubishi Australia's Model Lineup

Shifting Focus to Newer SUV Models and Electric Vehicles

Mitsubishi Australia discontinued the ASX to streamline its product range and allocate resources toward the newer Eclipse Cross, Outlander, and upcoming electric models. The Eclipse Cross, introduced in 2017, offered a more contemporary design and plug-in hybrid variant, directly competing with the CX-5.

Meanwhile, the CX-5 remained a core model for Mazda, with continued investment in updates like the inclusion of cylinder deactivation technology and a redesigned 2022 model year variant.

1. Mitsubishi launched the all-new Outlander in 2021, which boasted a plug-in hybrid option and a three-row seating layout, targeting families over the ASX's outdated niche.
2. The Eclipse Cross saw growing sales in Australia, with a 15% increase in 2022, while the ASX's share dropped below 3% of Mitsubishi's total volume.
3. Mitsubishi announced a global plan to introduce 16 new electric or hybrid vehicles by 2025, making the ASX's discontinuation a necessary step to free up production and marketing budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which car offers better fuel efficiency, the Mazda CX-5 or the Mitsubishi ASX?

The Mitsubishi ASX generally holds a slight edge in fuel efficiency due to its smaller, less powerful engine options. With its base 2.0-litre petrol engine, the ASX can achieve around 7.6 litres per 100km on combined cycles. The Mazda CX-5, particularly with its larger 2.5-litre engine, typically consumes more fuel, averaging roughly 7.9 to 8.5 litres per 100km, though SkyActiv technology helps optimize consumption.

How do the safety ratings compare between the Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi ASX in Australia?

The Mazda CX-5 currently holds a stronger safety position thanks to its five-star ANCAP rating from 2017, which remains current under stricter criteria. The Mitsubishi ASX has a five-star ANCAP rating from a 2014 test, but it is considered outdated by today's standards. The CX-5 also offers more advanced standard safety tech, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert across most models.

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Which vehicle provides a more spacious interior and cargo area?

The Mazda CX-5 is notably larger inside than the Mitsubishi ASX, offering superior passenger space and cargo capacity. It provides 442 litres of boot space with all seats up. In contrast, the ASX offers a smaller 359-litre boot. Rear-seat legroom is also noticeably more generous in the CX-5, making it a better choice for families or those needing to carry taller passengers comfortably on longer journeys.

Is the driving experience and performance better in the CX-5 or the ASX?

The Mazda CX-5 delivers a far superior driving experience, with sharper handling, a more refined suspension, and stronger engine options. Its 2.5-litre petrol engine produces 140kW, while the ASX’s 2.0-litre unit outputs 110kW, providing less urgency. The CX-5 also offers a quieter cabin and a more premium, engaging feel compared to the ASX, which feels more utilitarian and less dynamic on Australian roads.