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.
Dashing starts ZAR 570500 cheaperCX-5 from ZAR 570,500 · Dashing from ZAR 439,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Engine Power
121 kW
115 kW
Torque
213 Nm
230 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1498 cc
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
12.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
160 mm
Boot / Load Bay
438 l
977 l
Airbags
6
Front and front side airbags plus side curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1530-1580 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both CX-5 and Dashing are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Dashing
+1 pts
Efficiency
CX-5
+6 pts
Safety
CX-5
+16 pts
Practicality
Dashing
+16 pts
Ownership
Dashing
+14 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-5
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Dashing
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-5
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Dashing
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Model Introduced Year
2017
-
Generation
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Current local listing
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.
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
2017
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
Active
Segment
Mid-size family SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Ground Clearance
200 mm
160 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2720 mm
Length
4575 mm
4590 mm
Width
1845 mm
1900 mm
Height
1680 mm
1685 mm
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1530-1580 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
2065 kg
1888 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
438 l
977 l
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
-
Turning Radius
5.95 m
-
Load Bed Length
438 l
977 l
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
1041 mm
-
Rear Legroom
1007 mm
-
Front Shoulder Room
1451 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1391 mm
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1340 l
977 l
Number of Doors
5
-
Max Payload
490 kg
-
Boot Volume
438 l
977 l
Doors
5
-
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
57 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
2065 kg
1888 kg
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
160 mm
Height Mm
1680 mm
1685 mm
Length Mm
4575 mm
4590 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
438 l
977 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
490 kg
-
Cargo Volume
438 l
977 l
Tare Mass Kg
1575 kg
1530-1580 kg
Turning Circle
5.95 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.95 m
-
Width Mm
1845 mm
1900 mm
Front Track Width
-
-
Rear Track Width
-
-
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Engine
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
SQRE4T15C
Engine Type
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5-litre turbo petrol
Displacement
1998 cc
1498 cc
Cylinders
4
-
Power
121 kW
115 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
5500
Torque
213 Nm
230 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4000
1750-4000
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
-
Top Speed
182 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.3 sec
-
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
-
Cylinder Bore
83.5 mm
-
Piston Stroke
91.2 mm
-
Power
162 bhp
154 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
-
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
-
Engine Type Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
-
0–100 km/h
10.3 sec
-
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1498 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
1498 cc
Acceleration 0 100
10.3 sec
-
Engine Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
-
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
1498 cc
Engine Power kW
121 kW
115 kW
Engine Torque Nm
213 Nm
230 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
-
Max Power kW
121 kW
115 kW
Max Torque Nm
213 Nm
230 Nm
Maximum Power
121 kW
115 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm
230 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
5500
Torque Nm Rpm
4000
1750-4000
Turbo Type
-
-
Valves per Cylinder
-
-
Fuel System
-
-
Engine Code
-
SQRE4T15C
Fuel Grade Required
-
Petrol
Engine Valves
-
-
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
-
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
-
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Final Drive Ratio
4.624
-
Number of Gears
6 km/h
6 km/h
Transmission Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
-
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
FWD
-
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
6 km/h
LSD Available
-
-
Clutch Type
-
-
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
12.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
57 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Average Fuel Consumption
6.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
6.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.9 l/100km
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
56 l
57 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
City Mileage
-
10.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
14.7 km/l
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
12.8 km/l
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Airbags
6
Front and front side airbags plus side curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
-
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
-
Front Parking Sensors
-
-
BA
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
-
Side Airbags
Standard
Front and front side airbags plus side curtain airbags
Knee Airbag
-
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
AEB
-
-
Brake Override System
-
-
TCS
-
Yes
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
Yes
Front Seat Side Airbags
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
-
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
-
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
Standard
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Drive Modes
Sport
-
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Around View Monitor
-
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
-
Park Assist
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Seat Material
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Black synthetic leather seats with red stitching
Heated Seats
-
-
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
8 colours
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)
Driver electric 6-way; passenger manual 4-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Driver electric 6-way; passenger manual 4-way
Seat Trim
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Black synthetic leather seats with red stitching
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver electric 6-way; passenger manual 4-way
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
-
Power Windows
Front & Rear
-
Keyless Entry
Smart
-
Push Button Start
Standard
-
Wireless Charging
Standard
40W
Sunroof
-
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
-
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
-
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5-year/60,000 km service plan
Stability Control
Standard
-
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.8
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Non full-size
Valves Per Cylinder
-
-
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Infotainment Screen
Standard
Dual 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
10
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
-
USB Ports
2
Front Type-A x2; rear USB ports listed
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
10.25-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
10.25-inch
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
-
Exterior Colour Options
Current paint selection depends on edition and remaining dealer allocation as the next-generation CX-5 approaches local launch.
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
-
Yes
Fog Lamps
-
-
Roof Rails
-
-
Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Headlight Type
Standard
Yes
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Departure Angle
22.5 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
-
Approach Angle
-
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Breakover Angle
-
-
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Tyre Size
225/55 R19
235/55R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Non full-size
Wheel Rim Size
19x7J
19
Handbrake Type
Electronic
-
Brake Type Front
-
Ventilated disc brake
Brake Type Rear
-
Solid disc brake
Spare Tyre
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Non full-size
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Multiple link independent suspension
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-link
Multiple link independent suspension
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
185 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Ownership Role
style-focused upper derivative
South Africa market model
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
https://jetour.co.za/models-dashing/
Price Zar
688400 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
style-focused upper derivative
top
Starting Price
688400
439900
Starting Price Zar
688400
439900
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Spec
CX-5
Dashing
Gear Shift Indicator
-
-
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Dashing leads by 1 points
Both CX-5 and Dashing are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Dashing
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
66/100
Practicality
77/100
Ownership
69/100
CX-5
Performance
48/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
61/100
Ownership
55/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Jetour Dashing
wins with 62 pts
vs 61 pts for CX-5
In structured scoring, Dashing emerges as the stronger overall package. However, CX-5 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 Dashing 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: CX-5 56 vs Dashing 50. 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: CX-5 82, Dashing 66. 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: CX-5 55, Dashing 69. 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: CX-5 61, Dashing 77. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-5 48, Dashing 49. 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 Dashing edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Dashing 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 CX-5 and Dashing in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-5 scores 48 vs 49.
Efficiency: CX-5 scores 56 vs 50.
Safety: CX-5 scores 82 vs 66.
Practicality: CX-5 scores 61 vs 77.
Ownership: CX-5 scores 55 vs 69.
Final structured scoring gives Dashing
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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