Volkswagen Crafter vs Mazda CX-5

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.

Volkswagen Crafter in South Africa

Volkswagen Crafter

50 Panel Van XLWB 8AT Diesel Current
ZAR 1,406,000 ex-showroom
⚡ 103 kW 🔧 340 Nm ⛽ 16.7 km/l
VS
Mazda CX-5 in South Africa

Mazda CX-5

2.0 Carbon Edition Auto FWD Petrol 6-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 688,400 ex-showroom
⚡ 121 kW 🔧 213 Nm ⛽ 14.5 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

Volkswagen Crafter vs Mazda CX-5: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

CX-5 starts ZAR 290,700 cheaper Crafter from ZAR 861,200 · CX-5 from ZAR 570,500

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Crafter CX-5
Maximum Power Crafter103 kW CX-5121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque Crafter340 Nm CX-5213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size Crafter1968 cc CX-51998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Crafter16.7 km/l CX-514.5 km/l
Ground Clearance Crafter195 mm CX-5200 mm

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Crafter CX-5
Model Introduced Year Current local generation year not confirmed 2017
Generation Current South African Crafter 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 Van SUV
Color Note Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering. -
Dealer Stock Note Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup -
Drivetrain Note 4x2 configuration for the local line-up -
Model Year Current 2026
Production Status published Active
Segment Van Mid-size family SUV
Tare Mass Kg GVM class 5000 kg 1575 kg
Vehicle Type Van SUV
Spec Crafter CX-5
Length 7391 mm 4575 mm
Width 2040 mm 1845 mm
Height 2590 mm 1680 mm
Wheelbase 4490 mm 2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 195 mm 200 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 l 56 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 6000 kg 2065 kg
Seating Capacity 3 seats 5 seats
Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Boot/Cargo Space - 438 l
Kerb Weight - 1575 kg
Payload Capacity - 490 kg
Towing Capacity - 1000 kg
Minimum Turning Radius - 5.95 m
Front Legroom - 1041 mm
Rear Legroom - 1007 mm

In depth: how these cars differ

This Crafter and CX-5 comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Crafter vs CX-5 questions

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.