A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
2.0 Carbon Edition Auto FWDPetrol6-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 688,400ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW🔧 213 Nm⛽ 14.5 km/l
＋Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Toyota Corolla vs Mazda CX-5: the short answer
Corolla and CX-5 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
CX-5 starts ZAR 19,700 cheaperCorolla from ZAR 590,200 · CX-5 from ZAR 570,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Corolla
CX-5
Maximum Power
Corolla103 kW
CX-5121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Corolla142 Nm
CX-5213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
Corolla1798 cc
CX-51998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Corolla25.6 km/l
CX-514.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
Corolla130 mm
CX-5200 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Toyota Corolla
1.8 HEV XR CVT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Corolla
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
CX-5
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Corolla
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
CX-5
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2017
Generation
Current South African Corolla listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
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
Original current-generation version
2017
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Active
Segment
Sedan
Mid-size family SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1405 kg
1575 kg
Vehicle Type
Sedan
SUV
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Length
4630 mm
4575 mm
Width
1780 mm
1845 mm
Height
1435 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
130 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
56 l
Boot/Cargo Space
470 l
438 l
Kerb Weight
1430 kg
1575 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1845 kg
2065 kg
Payload Capacity
440 kg
490 kg
Towing Capacity
1600 kg
1000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
5.95 m
Front Headroom
997 mm
-
Rear Headroom
948 mm
-
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
882 mm
1007 mm
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Macpherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Front & Rear
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Smart
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
470 l
1340 l
AC Type
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Standard
-
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
25.6
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Skid Plates
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
-
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
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Passive Entry Start
Smart Entry
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Smart Entry
-
Source Model Column
corolla
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
top
-
Unlocking
Smart Entry
Smart
Variant Role
Mid-to-high value derivative
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Smart Entry
-
Walk Away Lock
Smart Entry
-
Wireless Charger
Standard
Standard
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Engine
Turbocharged Petrol
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1798 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
13.0:1
Bore
82.0 mm
83.5 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
91.2 mm
Maximum Power
103 kW
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
142 Nm
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Combined Power
1 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
1 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated transmission electric motor
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
182 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.8 sec
10.3 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
76.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
135.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
1 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
64.8 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
400 V
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
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Gearbox
CVT
6-Speed Auto
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
-
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
4.624
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
6
Transmission Type
Continuously Variable Transmission
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
-
Gear Shift Type
CVT
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD/
FWD
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 Applicable
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
CVT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
6
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Claimed Mileage
25.6 km/l
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
21 km/l
11.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
29.4 km/l
17.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
56 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro stage IV
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
25.6 km/l
14.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
43 l
56
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
Corolla
CX-5
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Child-seat support
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
-
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Front & Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
-
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Front & Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Not Available
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Driver knee airbag
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
-
Pre-Collision System
Standard
-
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Seat Material
Not Applicable
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1451 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1391 mm
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
with red stitching
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
(40:20:40)
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Corolla grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Infotainment System
12.3
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
10
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Standard
USB Ports
Not Available
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
10.25-inch
Infotainment Display
12.3
-
Infotainment Screen
12.3
10.25-inch
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
12.3
10.25-inch
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
-
Roof Rails
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
Current paint selection depends on edition and remaining dealer allocation as the next-generation CX-5 approaches local launch.
Body Type
Sedan
-
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlights
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Black Metallic
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Approach Angle
-
-
Departure Angle
-
22.5 deg
Wading Depth
-
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Sport
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
130 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
130 mm
200 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
-
-
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Tyre Size
Not Available
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19x7J
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Maintenance Plan
6 services / 90 000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
6 services / 90 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Service Plan Distance
6 services / 90 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Service Plan
6 services / 90 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years/Unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
160 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Hybrid
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Hybrid
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Idle CO2 Output
0
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
0
-
Spec
Corolla
CX-5
Ownership Role
Top
style-focused upper derivative
Price Zar
590200 ZAR
688400 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
style-focused upper derivative
Starting Price
590200
688400
Starting Price Zar
590200
688400
In depth: how these cars differ
This Corolla and CX-5 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Corolla 46 vs CX-5 48.
Efficiency index: Corolla 96 vs CX-5 56.
Safety-equipment index: Corolla 90 vs CX-5 88.
Practicality index: Corolla 59 vs CX-5 61.
Ownership-cover index: Corolla 43 vs CX-5 not separately scored.
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.
Model imagery
Corolla and CX-5 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
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
Corolla leads by 4 points
Corolla and CX-5 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Corolla
Performance
46/100
Efficiency
96/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
43/100
CX-5
Performance
48/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota Corolla
leads the specification evidence index with 67 pts
vs 63 pts for CX-5
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Corolla leads. However, CX-5 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 Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa 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.
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