A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Elevate
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
All-New CX-5
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Elevate
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Model Introduced Year
2026
2023
Generation
Third-generation Mazda CX-5 for South Africa
Built on Honda’s latest compact SUV platform with improved safety and structural strength
Facelift History
All-new third-generation model; no facelift applies
Recently introduced model with latest design language and modern features
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
upcoming
active
Segment
Medium SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger Vehicle
SUV
Color Note
-
White, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red, Black
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
1240 kg
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Length
4690 mm
4312 mm
Width
1860 mm
1790 mm
Height
1695 mm
1650 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
205 mm
220 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
200 mm
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
466 l
458 l
Kerb Weight
1629 kg
1240 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2190 kg
1680 kg
Payload Capacity
561 kg
400 kg
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
1200 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.0 m
5.2 m
Front Headroom
1007 mm
1015 mm
Rear Headroom
1020 mm
980 mm
Front Legroom
1058 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
1012 mm
995 mm
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Engine
2.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2488 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
89 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
100 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
132 kW @ 6000 rpm
119 kW
Maximum Torque
240 Nm @ 4000 rpm
145 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
CVT
Top Speed
187 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.4 sec
12.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Normal, Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
81.0 kW/tonne
96 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
147.3 Nm/tonne
116.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.624
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Available
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Torque Converter Automatic
CVT Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Claimed Mileage
13.2 km/l
16.1 km/l
City Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
13 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Officially Disclosed
17 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Euro VI
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Real-world Mileage
13.2 km/l
16.1 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
56
40
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front and Rear
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and Rear
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
6
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
6
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front and Rear
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
6
ESC With Traction Control
-
Standard
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and Rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Not Available
Auto Lights
-
LED Projector
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Emergency Braking
-
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Front and Rear
Parking Sensor
-
Front and Rear
Pre-Collision System
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Seat Material
Black Cloth
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Multi-colour
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
40:20:40
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Driver Electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Seat Trim
Black Cloth
Leather
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver Electric
Steering Type
-
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
6
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Driver Electric
Fabric Seats
-
Leather
Driver Seat
-
Driver Electric
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Spacious cabin with touchscreen infotainment, wireless connectivity, digital displays, and comfortable seating
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Leather
Interior Colours
-
6
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Climate Control
Dual-Zone Automatic
Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows
Front and Rear
All Doors Auto
Keyless Entry
Smart Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Manual
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Dual-Zone Automatic
Automatic Climate Control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Headlamps
-
LED Projector
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
458 l
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Climate Zones
-
Automatic Climate Control
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
All Doors Auto
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Standard
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Standard
Engine Warranty
-
24 Months
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
6.2
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Electric Sunroof
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Power Mirrors
-
All Doors Auto
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Seat Type
-
Leather
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Voice Command
-
Built-in
Voice Command Support
-
Built-in
Accelerator 0 100
-
12.5 sec
Air Conditioning
Dual-Zone Automatic
Automatic Climate Control
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Common Rail Injection
-
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Smart Key
Lift Gate
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Manual Aircon
-
Automatic Climate Control
Mirror
-
All Doors Auto
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
-
Smart Key
Powered Tailgate
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Smart Key
Rim Size
17x7J
17-inch Alloy
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Standard
Sonar
-
Front and Rear
Sound System
8
8
Source Model Column
-
elevate
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
TPMS
Standard
Standard
Trim Level
-
top
Unlocking
Smart Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Variant Role
-
Core range derivative
Vdc
-
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Smart Key
Walk Away Lock
-
Smart Key
Wireless Charger
Standard
Standard
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Infotainment System
Mazda Connect
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2 USB-C
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
12.9-inch
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
12.9-inch
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Navigation System
-
Built-in
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Voice Recognition
-
Built-in
Infotainment Screen Size
12.9-inch
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
-
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Audio Speakers
8
8
Audio System
-
8
Display Audio
-
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Connected Services
-
Standard
Voice Control
-
Built-in
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Wireless
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
LED Headlamps
Standard
LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Not Available
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Aero Grey, Arctic White, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Navy Blue Mica, Polymetal Grey, Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal
6
Headlights
Standard
LED Projector
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Sunroof
Alloy Wheel Design
-
17-inch Alloy
Roof Type
-
Electric Sunroof
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
Standard
LED
Fog Lights
-
LED
Front Fog Lights
-
LED
Led Headlights
Standard
LED Projector
Auto Headlights
-
LED Projector
Automatic Headlamps
-
LED Projector
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
-
Electric Sunroof
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
All Doors Auto
Front Fog Lamps
Not Available
LED
Headlamp Levelling
-
LED Projector
Headlamps
Standard
LED Projector
Headlight Type
Standard
LED Projector
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Approach Angle
17.9 deg
20 deg
Departure Angle
23.3 deg
22 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
400 mm
Terrain Modes
Normal, Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
16.8 deg
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
20 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
22 deg
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
220 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
220 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
400 mm
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Tyre Size
225/65 R17
215/55 R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary 155/80 R17
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
17x7J
17-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electronic Parking Brake
Not Applicable
Wheel Type
-
17-inch Alloy
Brake Type Front
-
Disc
Brake Type Rear
-
Drum
Tyre Type
-
215/55 R17
Wheel Diameter
17x7J
17-inch Alloy
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Not Available
Brakes
-
Disc
Cornering Brake Control
-
Standard
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Wheel Material
-
17-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
17-inch Alloy
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric Power Steering
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Front Spring Type
-
MacPherson Strut
Rear Spring Type
-
Torsion Beam
Chassis Material
-
Monocoque
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
-
Torsion Beam
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
CO2 Emissions
174 g/km
138 g/km
Start Stop System
-
Standard
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 5
Idle CO2 Output
-
138
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
138
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
24 Months
Service Interval
-
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
-
Moderate
Battery Warranty
-
24 Months
Maintenance Plan
-
24 Months
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10000 km / 12 months
Service Plan Duration
5 Years/Unlimited km
24 Months
Service Plan Distance
5 Years/Unlimited km
24 Months
Service Intervals
-
10000 km / 12 months
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Ownership Role
Upcoming exact South African retail grade with confirmed launch price
Top
Price Zar
570000 ZAR
399900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Announced launch price
Current listed price
Starting Price
570000
399900
Starting Price Zar
570000
399900
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3
Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
3 Years
Spec
All-New CX-5
Elevate
Real-world City Mileage Min
-
12 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
-
14 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
-
15 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
-
18 l/100km
Owner Review Count
-
18
In depth: how these cars differ
This All-New CX-5 and Elevate comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: All-New CX-5 52 vs Elevate 39.
Efficiency index: All-New CX-5 52 vs Elevate 62.
Safety-equipment index: All-New CX-5 98 vs Elevate 88.
Practicality index: All-New CX-5 66 vs Elevate 63.
Ownership-cover index: All-New CX-5 not separately scored vs Elevate 43.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
All-New CX-5 leads by 8 points
All-New CX-5 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Elevate remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
All-New CX-5
Performance
52/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
66/100
Elevate
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
63/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMazda All-New CX-5
leads the specification evidence index with 68 pts
vs 60 pts for Elevate
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, All-New CX-5 leads. However, Elevate may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
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