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.
HS starts ZAR 70,600 cheaperCX-5 from ZAR 570,500 · HS from ZAR 499,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-5
HS
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
170 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
370 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1986 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
14.5 km/l
11.63 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
145 mm
Boot / Load Bay
438 l
507 l
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1590 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
CX-5 and HS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
HS
+22 pts
Efficiency
CX-5
+10 pts
Safety
HS
+10 pts
Practicality
CX-5
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-5
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Catalogue-index leader
HS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
CX-5
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
HS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-5
HS
Model Introduced Year
2017
2025
Generation
Second-generation KF-series Mazda CX-5, current outgoing South African range
Current five-seat HS on MG's SIGMA-A architecture with 1.5T DCT and 2.0T automatic powertrains.
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.
Current-generation HS introduced locally in 2025; four petrol derivatives remain active.
Facelift Launched Since
2017
2025
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Five-door mid-size SUV
Model Year
2026
2025
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Mid-size family SUV
Mid-size SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1575 kg
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-5
HS
Length
4575 mm
4655 mm
Width
1845 mm
1890 mm
Height
1680 mm
1655 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2765 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
145 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
65 l
Boot/Cargo Space
438 l
507 l
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1590 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2065 kg
2065 kg
Payload Capacity
490 kg
475 kg
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
750 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.95 m
5.65 m
Front Legroom
1041 mm
1044 mm
Rear Legroom
1007 mm
980 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
968 mm
Rear Headroom
-
964 mm
Spec
CX-5
HS
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic electric sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1340 l
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
CX-5
HS
Engine
2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
2.0-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
1986 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
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
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
83.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
91.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
121 kW @ 6000 rpm
170 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm @ 4000 rpm
370 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
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
182 km/h
220 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.3 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Standard, Eco, Sport, Custom
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
76.8 kW/tonne
106.92 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
135.2 Nm/tonne
232.70 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
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
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
CX-5
HS
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
9-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.624
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
6
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-wheel drive
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
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
9
LSD Available
-
Not Available
Clutch Type
-
Torque converter automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
HS
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
11.63 km/l
City Mileage
11.7 km/l
9.35 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.1 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
65 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
EURO 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
56
65
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
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
11.63 km/l
Spec
CX-5
HS
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
2
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
2
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
AEB
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Not Officially Disclosed
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
HS
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Standard
Auto Wipers
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
HS
Seat Material
Black Leather & Suede Combination
PVC Seat with hole
Heated Seats
Not Available
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
1451 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1391 mm
-
Steering Wheel Material
with red stitching
Microfibre (PU)
60 40 Split Seat
(40:20:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable w. memory (Driver) 6-Way Power adjustment (Passenger)
Powered
Seat Trim
Black Leather & Suede Combination
PVC Seat with hole
Spec
CX-5
HS
Infotainment System
Standard
12.3-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
10
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
12.3-inch driver display
USB Ports
2
4
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
12.3-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
12.3-inch
Spec
CX-5
HS
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
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.
Black, White, Grey, Silver, Blue, Red
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
Standard
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-5
HS
Departure Angle
22.5 deg
28.0 deg
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
-
Approach Angle
-
19.0 deg
Wading Depth
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
CX-5
HS
Tyre Size
225/55 R19
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
Space-saver spare
Wheel Rim Size
19x7J
19-inch
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Spec
CX-5
HS
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Multi-link
Spec
CX-5
HS
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
195 g/km
Spec
CX-5
HS
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 90,000 km
Spec
CX-5
HS
Ownership Role
style-focused upper derivative
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
688400 ZAR
665900 ZAR
Pricing Role
style-focused upper derivative
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
688400
665900
Starting Price Zar
688400
665900
Spec
CX-5
HS
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
HS leads by 6 points
CX-5 and HS 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
Catalogue-index leader
HS
Performance
70/100
Efficiency
46/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
57/100
CX-5
Performance
48/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
61/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Mg HS
leads the catalogue index with 69 pts
vs 63 pts for CX-5
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, HS leads. However, CX-5 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. 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.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This CX-5 and HS comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. 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 HS 70.
Efficiency index: CX-5 56 vs HS 46.
Safety-equipment index: CX-5 88 vs HS 98.
Practicality index: CX-5 61 vs HS 57.
Ownership-cover index: CX-5 not separately scored vs HS 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.
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