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.
2.0 Carbon Edition Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 688,400ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW🔧 213 Nm⛽ 14.5 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceChery Q
⛽Fuel EconomyCX-5
🛡SafetyCX-5
📦PracticalityCX-5
🔑OwnershipCX-5
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Maximum Power
-
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
-
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
-
1998 cc
Claimed Mileage
-
14.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
-
200 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
438 l
Airbags
-
6
Kerb Weight
-
1575 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
-
5 Years/Unlimited km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
CX-5 holds a noticeable edge over Chery Q, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Chery Q
+2 pts
Efficiency
CX-5
+6 pts
Safety
CX-5
+82 pts
Practicality
CX-5
+11 pts
Ownership
CX-5
+5 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Chery Q
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
🏆 Overall Winner
CX-5
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Chery Q
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
CX-5
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Model Introduced Year
-
2017
Generation
-
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Facelift History
-
The second generation arrived in 2017 and received a substantial update from 2021. An all-new replacement is scheduled to reach South Africa on 1 August 2026, while this current range remains on sale.
Facelift Launched Since
-
2017
Facelift Version Ending
-
Current
Body Style
-
SUV
Model Year
-
2026
Production Status
-
Active
Segment
-
Mid-size family SUV
Vehicle Type
-
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1575 kg
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Drivetrain Layout
-
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Gearbox
-
6-Speed Auto
Final Drive Ratio
-
4.624
Number of Gears
-
6
Transmission Type
-
Automatic
Drivetrain
-
FWD
4WD Engagement
-
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
-
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
-
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
-
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
Standard
Front Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
-
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Low Range
-
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
-
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
-
6
Gear Shift Type
-
Automatic
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Claimed Mileage
-
14.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
56 l
Emission Standard
-
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
-
6.9 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
-
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
-
6.9 l/100km
Charging Port Type
-
Not Applicable
Charging Type
-
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
-
6.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
-
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
-
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
-
56
Combined Driving Range
-
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Airbags
-
6
ABS
-
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
-
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
-
Standard
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
-
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
-
Not Available
BA
-
Standard
Curtain Airbags
-
Standard
Driver Airbag
-
Standard
EBD
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Hill Hold
-
Standard
Passenger Airbag
-
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
Standard
Side Airbags
-
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
Not Available
ABS EBD
-
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
-
Front & Rear
Stability Control
-
Standard
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Cruise Control
-
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
-
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Standard
Parking Sensors
-
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
-
Standard
Auto Wipers
-
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Not Available
Reverse Camera
-
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Not Available
Around View Monitor
-
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
-
Standard
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Seat Material
-
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Heated Seats
-
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
-
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
-
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
-
with red stitching
60 40 Split Seat
-
(40:20:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
-
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
-
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Seat Trim
-
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Front Shoulder Room
-
1451 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1391 mm
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Climate Control
-
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
-
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
-
Smart
Push Button Start
-
Standard
Wireless Charging
-
Standard
Sunroof
-
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
AC Type
-
Dual-zone climate control
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1340 l
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Length
-
4575 mm
Width
-
1845 mm
Height
-
1680 mm
Wheelbase
-
2700 mm
Doors
-
5 doors
Payload Capacity
-
490 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
56 l
Kerb Weight
-
1575 kg
Towing Capacity
-
1000 kg
Front Legroom
-
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
-
1007 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
-
200 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
438 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
2065 kg
Seating Capacity
-
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.95 m
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Engine
-
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Cylinders
-
4
Valves
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
-
13.0:1
Drive Type
-
FWD
Top Speed
-
182 km/h
Engine Code
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
-
Inline
Aspiration
-
Naturally Aspirated
Bore
-
83.5 mm
Stroke
-
91.2 mm
Drive Modes
-
Sport
Valves per Cylinder
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
-
1998 cc
Transmission
-
6-Speed Automatic
0-100 km/h
-
10.3 sec
Battery Capacity
-
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
-
Petrol
Maximum Power
-
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
-
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Motor Type
-
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
-
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
-
Not Applicable
Combined Power
-
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
-
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
-
Not Applicable
Motor Location
-
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
-
76.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
-
135.2 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Battery Type
-
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
-
Not Applicable
Electric Range
-
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
-
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
-
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Apple CarPlay
-
Wireless
Android Auto
-
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
-
Standard
Number of Speakers
-
10
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Standard
Infotainment System
-
Standard
Infotainment Screen
-
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
-
10.25-inch
USB Ports
-
2
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
LED Headlamps
-
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
-
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic
Headlights
-
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
-
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
-
Current paint selection depends on edition and remaining dealer allocation as the next-generation CX-5 approaches local launch.
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Departure Angle
-
22.5 deg
Terrain Modes
-
Sport
Locking Differential
-
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
-
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
-
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
200 mm
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Tyre Size
-
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
-
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
-
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Wheel Rim Size
-
19x7J
Handbrake Type
-
Electronic
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Front Suspension
-
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
-
Multi-link
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
CO2 Emissions
-
160 g/km
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Ownership Role
-
style-focused upper derivative
Price Source
-
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
Price Zar
-
688400 ZAR
Pricing Role
-
style-focused upper derivative
Starting Price
-
688400
Starting Price Zar
-
688400
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Warranty
-
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Chery Q
CX-5
Service Plan
-
5 Years/Unlimited km
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
CX-5 leads by 22 points
CX-5 holds a noticeable edge over Chery Q, especially in key ownership areas.
🏆Mazda CX-5
wins with 61 pts
vs 39 pts for Chery Q
In structured scoring, CX-5 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Chery Q may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the CX-5 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Chery Q 50 vs CX-5 56. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Chery Q 0, CX-5 82. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Chery Q 50, CX-5 55. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Chery Q 50, CX-5 61. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Chery Q 50, CX-5 48. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The CX-5 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The CX-5 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Chery Q and CX-5 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Chery Q scores 50 vs 48.
Efficiency: Chery Q scores 50 vs 56.
Safety: Chery Q scores 0 vs 82.
Practicality: Chery Q scores 50 vs 61.
Ownership: Chery Q scores 50 vs 55.
Final structured scoring gives CX-5
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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