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.
T2 starts ZAR 570500 cheaperCX-5 from ZAR 570,500 · T2 from ZAR 569,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-5
T2
Engine Power
121 kW
180 kW
Torque
213 Nm
375 Nm
Engine Size
1998 cc
1998 cc
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
10.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
220 mm
Boot / Load Bay
438 l
580 l
Airbags
6
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1700-1934 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
T2 has a slight advantage, but CX-5 remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
T2
+29 pts
Efficiency
CX-5
+13 pts
Safety
T2
+12 pts
Practicality
T2
+13 pts
Ownership
T2
+22 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
CX-5
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
T2
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-5
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
T2
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
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
T2
Model Introduced Year
2017
2026
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
2026
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
T2
Ground Clearance
200 mm
220 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2800 mm
Length
4575 mm
4785 mm
Width
1845 mm
2006 mm
Height
1680 mm
1880 mm
Kerb Weight
1575 kg
1700-1934 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
2065 kg
2285 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
438 l
580 l
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
1600 kg
Turning Radius
5.95 m
-
Load Bed Length
438 l
580 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
1494 l
Number of Doors
5
-
Max Payload
490 kg
-
Boot Volume
438 l
580 l
Doors
5
-
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
70 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
2065 kg
2285 kg
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
220 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
220 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
220 mm
Height Mm
1680 mm
1880 mm
Length Mm
4575 mm
4785 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
438 l
580 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
490 kg
-
Cargo Volume
438 l
580 l
Tare Mass Kg
1575 kg
1700-1934 kg
Turning Circle
5.95 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.95 m
-
Width Mm
1845 mm
2006 mm
Front Track Width
-
1685 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1695 mm
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Gross Combined Mass Kg
-
3885 kg
Spec
CX-5
T2
Engine
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Turbocharged petrol
Engine Type
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
Turbo petrol
Displacement
1998 cc
1998 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
121 kW
180 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
5500
Torque
213 Nm
375 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
10.2:1
Cylinder Bore
83.5 mm
80.5 mm
Piston Stroke
91.2 mm
98.1 mm
Power
162 bhp
241 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
1998 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1998 cc
1998 cc
Acceleration 0 100
10.3 sec
-
Engine Config
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
-
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1998 cc
1998 cc
Engine Power kW
121 kW
180 kW
Engine Torque Nm
213 Nm
375 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
-
Max Power kW
121 kW
180 kW
Max Torque Nm
213 Nm
375 Nm
Maximum Power
121 kW
180 kW
Maximum Torque
213 Nm
375 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
5500
Torque Nm Rpm
4000
1750-4000
Turbo Type
-
-
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Fuel System
-
-
Engine Code
-
SQRF4J20
Fuel Grade Required
-
Petrol
Engine Valves
-
4
Spec
CX-5
T2
Transmission
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4WD
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
Paddle Shifters
Standard
-
Final Drive Ratio
4.624
-
Number of Gears
6 km/h
7 km/h
Transmission Type
6-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD
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
4WD
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
7 km/h
LSD Available
-
Multi-Plate Clutch Limited-Slip Differential
Clutch Type
-
-
Spec
CX-5
T2
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
10.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
70 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
VI B
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
-
Average Fuel Consumption
6.9 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.9 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
6.9 l/100km
9.3 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
9.3 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.9 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
6.9 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
56 l
70 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
-
7.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
10.8 km/l
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
10.8 km/l
Spec
CX-5
T2
Airbags
6
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
-
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
-
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
-
Front Parking Sensors
-
Yes
BA
Standard
-
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Driver Airbag
Standard
-
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
-
Hill Hold
Standard
-
Passenger Airbag
Standard
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
-
Side Airbags
Standard
Front, front side, and curtain airbags
Knee Airbag
-
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
AEB
-
Yes
Brake Override System
-
-
TCS
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
T2
Cruise Control
Standard
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Rear View Camera
Standard
-
360 Degree Camera
-
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
Standard
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Drive Modes
Sport
-
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Yes
Around View Monitor
-
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Yes
Park Assist
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
T2
Seat Material
Black Leather & Suede Combination
Black synthetic leather with red stitching
Heated Seats
-
-
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
Multi
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
Black synthetic leather with red stitching
Rear AC Vents
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
T2
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Front & Rear
-
Keyless Entry
Smart
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
50W
Sunroof
-
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Dual-zone climate control
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
-
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Engine Warranty
-
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
9.3
Rear Seat Split
-
60/40
Remote Engine Start
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
255/60 R19 full size
Valves Per Cylinder
-
1
Roof Load
-
300kg static / 100kg dynamic kg
Towbar
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
T2
Infotainment Screen
Standard
15.6-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
10
12 Sony speakers including subwoofer
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
10.25-inch
USB Ports
2
Front Type-A/Type-C and rear Type-A/Type-C
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch
-
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
-
Spec
CX-5
T2
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Black Metallic
Alloy
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
-
Yes
Roof Rails
-
Yes
Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Headlight Type
Standard
Yes
Spec
CX-5
T2
Departure Angle
22.5 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Sport
Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Eco
Locking Differential
-
Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
4WD System Type
FWD
4WD
Approach Angle
-
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Underbody Protection
-
Metal guard plate for front compartment
Breakover Angle
-
-
Crawl Control
-
Yes
Spec
CX-5
T2
Tyre Size
225/55 R19
255/60 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare 155/80 R17
255/60 R19 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
255/60 R19 full size
Electric Park Brake
-
Yes
Towing Braked Kg
-
1600 kg
Towing Unbraked Kg
-
750 kg
Wheel Material
Black Metallic
Alloy
Spec
CX-5
T2
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Multi-link independent suspension
Front Suspension Type
Macpherson strut
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-link
Multi-link independent suspension
Spec
CX-5
T2
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
210 g/km
Start Stop System
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
CX-5
T2
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-t2/
Price Zar
688400 ZAR
679900 ZAR
Pricing Role
style-focused upper derivative
flagship
Starting Price
688400
569900
Starting Price Zar
688400
569900
Spec
CX-5
T2
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Spec
CX-5
T2
Gear Shift Indicator
-
-
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
T2 leads by 13 points
T2 has a slight advantage, but CX-5 remains highly competitive.
In structured scoring, T2 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 T2 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 T2 43. 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, T2 94. 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, T2 77. 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, T2 74. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-5 48, T2 77. 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 T2 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The T2 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 T2 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-5 scores 48 vs 77.
Efficiency: CX-5 scores 56 vs 43.
Safety: CX-5 scores 82 vs 94.
Practicality: CX-5 scores 61 vs 74.
Ownership: CX-5 scores 55 vs 77.
Final structured scoring gives T2
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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