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.
CX-5 starts ZAR 699900 cheaperCX-5 from ZAR 570,500 · H6 PHEV from ZAR 699,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Engine Power
121 kW
268 kW
Torque
213 Nm
760 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1500 cc
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
90.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
170 mm
Boot / Load Bay
438 l
560 l
Airbags
6
Front double, front side and side curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
H6 PHEV has a slight advantage, but CX-5 remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
H6 PHEV
+50 pts
Efficiency
H6 PHEV
+41 pts
Safety
CX-5
+44 pts
Practicality
H6 PHEV
+7 pts
Ownership
H6 PHEV
+10 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-5
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
H6 PHEV
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-5
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
H6 PHEV
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
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
H6 PHEV
Model Introduced Year
2017
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Current South African H6 PHEV listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
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.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2017
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Mid-size family SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
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
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5T Ultra Luxury Hi-4 4WD PHEV DHT
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Ground Clearance
200 mm
170 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2738 mm
Length
4575 mm
4703 mm
Width
1845 mm
1886 mm
Height
1680 mm
1730 mm
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1980 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
2065 kg
2400 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
438 l
560 l
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
1500 kg
Turning Radius
5.95 m
-
Load Bed Length
438 l
560 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
1445 l
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
490 kg
-
Boot Volume
438 l
560 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
55 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
2065 kg
2400 kg
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
170 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
170 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
170 mm
Height Mm
1680 mm
1730 mm
Length Mm
4575 mm
4703 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
438 l
560 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
490 kg
-
Cargo Volume
438 l
560 l
Tare Mass Kg
1575 kg
1980 kg
Turning Circle
5.95 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.95 m
-
Width Mm
1845 mm
1886 mm
Front Track Width
-
-
Rear Track Width
-
-
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Engine
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid
Engine Type
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid
Displacement
1998 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
-
Power
121 kW
268 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
-
Torque
213 Nm
760 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4000
-
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
-
Top Speed
182 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
359 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
-
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
-
Engine Type Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid
0–100 km/h
10.3 sec
-
Engine Displacement
1998 cc
1500 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
1500 cc
Acceleration 0 100
10.3 sec
-
Engine Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid
Engine Cylinders
4
-
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
1500 cc
Engine Power kW
121 kW
268 kW
Engine Torque Nm
213 Nm
760 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
-
Max Power kW
121 kW
268 kW
Max Torque Nm
213 Nm
760 Nm
Maximum Power
121 kW
268 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm
760 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
-
Torque Nm Rpm
4000
-
Turbo Type
-
-
Valves per Cylinder
-
-
Fuel System
-
-
Engine Code
-
-
Fuel Grade Required
-
PHEV
Battery Capacity
-
19.1 kWh
EV Range
-
106 km
Engine Valves
-
-
Active Exhaust
-
-
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
4x2
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4WD / AWD
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Final Drive Ratio
4.624
-
Number of Gears
6 km/h
-
Transmission Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
4x2
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
Available
4WD Hi Range
-
Available
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
FWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
-
LSD Available
-
-
Clutch Type
-
-
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
90.9 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
55 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
-
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Average Fuel Consumption
6.9 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.9 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.9 l/100km
1.1 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
1.1 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.9 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.9 l/100km
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
56 l
55 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
PHEV
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
Over 1000 km
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
City Mileage
-
74.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
105.4 km/l
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
90.9 km/l
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Airbags
6
Front double, front side and side curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
-
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
-
Hill Descent Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
-
Brake Assist
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
-
Front Parking Sensors
-
-
BA
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
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
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
-
ABS EBD
Standard
-
Traction Control
-
-
Child Safety Lock
-
-
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
-
AEB
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
-
TCS
-
-
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
-
360 Degree Camera
-
540-degree panoramic camera
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
Standard
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
-
Drive Modes
Sport
-
Rear Parking Sensors
-
-
Reverse Camera
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Around View Monitor
-
540-degree panoramic camera
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Park Assist
-
-
Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Pre-Collision System
-
Standard
Surround View Camera
-
540-degree panoramic camera
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Seat Material
Black Leather & Suede Combination
-
Heated Seats
-
Front
Ventilated Seats
-
Front
Ambient Lighting
-
-
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
-
Instrument Cluster Type
-
10.25-inch
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen H6 PHEV grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Seat Capacity
-
5
Seat Count
-
5
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone
Power Windows
Front & Rear
-
Keyless Entry
Smart
-
Push Button Start
Standard
-
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
-
-
Electric Tailgate
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
-
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 75 000 km
Stability Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Dampers
-
-
Climate Zones
-
Dual-zone
Engine Warranty
-
5
Heads Up Display
-
Full-colour
Launch Control
-
-
Performance Data Logger
-
-
Rev Matching
-
-
Skid Plates
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Valves Per Cylinder
-
-
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone
Bed Extender
-
-
Canopy Fitment
-
-
Digital Speedometer
-
10.25-inch
Load Bed Cover
-
-
Load Bed Light
-
-
Load Bed Steps
-
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
-
Manual Aircon
-
Dual-zone
Heated Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Sound System
10
9
Source Model Column
-
h6-phev
Sport Plus Mode
-
-
Sports Bar
-
-
Surround View Monitor
-
540-degree panoramic camera
Tailgate Damper
-
-
Tailgate Lock
-
-
Tow Bar Type
-
-
Trailer Stability Assist
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trailer Sway Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Infotainment Screen
Standard
Coffee OS
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Wireless
Number of Speakers
10
9
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
10.25-inch
USB Ports
2
-
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
Coffee OS
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
Coffee OS
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch
Coffee OS
Infotainment Display
-
Coffee OS
Audio Speakers
10
9
Audio System
-
9
Display Audio
-
Coffee OS
Head Up Display
-
Full-colour
Multi Information Display
-
10.25-inch
Connected Services
-
Wireless
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Wireless
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
LED Headlamps
Standard
-
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
-
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.
3
Headlights
Standard
-
Panoramic Sunroof
-
-
Fog Lamps
-
-
Roof Rails
-
-
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
-
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Departure Angle
22.5 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
FWD
4x2
Approach Angle
-
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Underbody Protection
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Descent Control
-
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Breakover Angle
-
-
Off Road Traction Assist
-
-
Terrain Mode Mud
-
-
Terrain Mode Sand
-
-
Terrain Mode Snow
-
-
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
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
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Standard
Braked Towing Capacity
-
1500 kg
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
-
Towing Braked Kg
-
1500 kg
Wheelbase Mm
2700 mm
2738 mm
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
-
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
-
MagneRide Damping
-
-
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Plug-in hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
PHEV
Particulate Filter
-
-
Idle CO2 Output
-
0
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
0
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Ownership Role
style-focused upper derivative
Flagship
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
688400 ZAR
749900 ZAR
Pricing Role
style-focused upper derivative
Current listed price
Starting Price
688400
749900
Starting Price Zar
688400
749900
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
7 years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 200 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
7 years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
7 years
Spec
CX-5
H6 PHEV
Service Interval
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Approx Service Cost
-
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
-
8 years / 150 000 km
Maintenance Plan
-
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10,000 km
First Service At
-
5000
Service Plan Duration
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 75 000 km
Service Plan Distance
5 Years/Unlimited km
7 years / 75 000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
-
Yes
Alternator
-
110A
Battery Type
-
Lithium-Ion
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Service Intervals
-
12 months / 15 000 km
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
H6 PHEV leads by 12 points
H6 PHEV has a slight advantage, but CX-5 remains highly competitive.
In structured scoring, H6 PHEV 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 H6 PHEV 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 H6 PHEV 97. 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, H6 PHEV 38. 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, H6 PHEV 65. 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, H6 PHEV 68. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-5 48, H6 PHEV 98. 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 H6 PHEV edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The H6 PHEV 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 H6 PHEV in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-5 scores 48 vs 98.
Efficiency: CX-5 scores 56 vs 97.
Safety: CX-5 scores 82 vs 38.
Practicality: CX-5 scores 61 vs 68.
Ownership: CX-5 scores 55 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives H6 PHEV
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.