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.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
CX-5
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
GX
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
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
CX-5
GX
Model Introduced Year
2017
2025
Generation
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Third-generation Lexus GX 550 body-on-frame luxury SUV
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.
All-new GX 550 launched in South Africa in 2025 with Overtrail and SE grades
Facelift Launched Since
2017
All-new GX 550 launched in South Africa in 2025 with Overtrail and SE grades
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Mid-size family SUV
Luxury SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1575 kg
2475-2515 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-5
GX
Length
4575 mm
5015 mm
Width
1845 mm
2000 mm
Height
1680 mm
1870 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
438 l
1063 l
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2065 kg
3110 kg
Payload Capacity
490 kg
-
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.95 m
6 m
Front Legroom
1041 mm
-
Rear Legroom
1007 mm
-
Spec
CX-5
GX
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Auto Dual zone,Nano
Power Windows
Front & Rear
All/ All One Touch
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Push Start
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Moonroof,Tilt & Slide
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Standard Power + Hatch
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1340 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Auto Dual zone,Nano
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Heads Up Display
-
Standard
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Auto Dual zone,Nano
Spec
CX-5
GX
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
3.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
3500 cc
Cylinders
4
6
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Petrol SFI + D-4ST
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
83.5 mm
85.5 mm
Stroke
91.2 mm
100 mm
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
260 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
650 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
4WD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
182 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.3 sec
7.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Standard Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S+, Comfort, Custom
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Front + Rear
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Front + Rear
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard,,
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard Rear door
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
AEB
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard,,
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Siren/ Alarm,Immobiliser,Intrusion Sensor,Tilt Sensor,Ultra-Wide Band
Spec
CX-5
GX
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard Lane Trace Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Rear View Camera
Standard
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Auto,Rainsensing
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Reverse Camera
Standard
EMV// Multi Terrain Monitor
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard Safe Exit Assist
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
GX
Seat Material
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Synthetic Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Standard Driver and Passenger only
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Standard Front only
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
1451 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1391 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
with red stitching
3 Spoke/ Leather
60 40 Split Seat
(40:20:40)
60:40 - Tumble
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Driver + Passenger Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Driver + Passenger Power
Seat Trim
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Synthetic Leather
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver + Passenger Power
Folding Rear Seats
-
60:40 - Tumble
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Cup Holders
-
Standard 8
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Standard TFT
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Driver 2-way,Power
Spec
CX-5
GX
Infotainment System
Standard
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
-
Android Auto
Standard
-
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
10
Standard 10
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Standard TFT
USB Ports
2
Standard 6PCs
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Navigation System
-
Standard/ EMV
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Audio Speakers
10
Standard 10
Audio System
-
Lexus Premium/ EMV
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
Standard 6PCs
Connected Services
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
GX
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard LED
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.
Graphite Black GF, Sonic Titanium, Terrane Khaki, Titanium Carbide Gray, White Quartz
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
GX
Departure Angle
22.5 deg
22.0 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Standard
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Rear
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Full-time four-wheel drive
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
220 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
220 mm
Approach Angle
-
27.0 deg
Approach Angle Deg
-
27.0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
-
22.0 deg
Crawl Control
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
GX
Tyre Size
225/55 R19
F:265-70 R18 Aluminum / R:265-70 R18 Aluminum
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Full 265-70 R18 Aluminum
Wheel Rim Size
19x7J
18
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Spec
CX-5
GX
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Double Wishbone -
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Four Link with Coil Spring -
Front Track Width
-
1687 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1688 mm
Spec
CX-5
GX
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
279 g/km
Spec
CX-5
GX
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
-
Service Interval
-
12 months / 10,000km
Spec
CX-5
GX
Ownership Role
style-focused upper derivative
Private luxury, family and business
Price Zar
688400 ZAR
1856600 ZAR
Pricing Role
style-focused upper derivative
Top
Starting Price
688400
1856600
Starting Price Zar
688400
1856600
Spec
CX-5
GX
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 100,000km
In depth: how these cars differ
This CX-5 and GX 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: CX-5 48 vs GX 96.
Efficiency index: CX-5 56 vs GX 34.
Safety-equipment index: CX-5 88 vs GX 93.
Practicality index: CX-5 61 vs GX 88.
Ownership-cover index: CX-5 not separately scored vs GX 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
CX-5 and GX 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
GX leads by 18 points
GX holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over CX-5.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GX
Performance
96/100
Efficiency
34/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
88/100
CX-5
Performance
48/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus GX
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 63 pts for CX-5
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GX 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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