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.
J7 starts ZAR 790200 cheaperCX-60 from ZAR 790,200 · J7 from ZAR 519,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
CX-60
J7
Engine Power
141 kW
145 kW
Torque
261 Nm
290 Nm
Engine Size
2488 cc
1.6 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.0 km/l
14.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
178.8 mm
200 mm
Boot / Load Bay
477 l
584 l
Airbags
7
Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight
1470 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Year / 150 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both CX-60 and J7 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
J7
+5 pts
Safety
CX-60
+24 pts
Practicality
J7
+10 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
CX-60
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
J7
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
CX-60
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
J7
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
CX-60
J7
Model Introduced Year
2023
2024
Generation
First-generation KH-series Mazda CX-60 on Mazda's Large Product architecture
Current South Africa J7 range
Facelift History
Mazda introduced the CX-60 locally in 2023, added the six-cylinder Takumi in 2024 and revised suspension and drivetrain calibration for the 2025 update.
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
2023
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Premium mid-size SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
CX-60
J7
Ground Clearance
178.8 mm
200 mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2672 mm
Length
4745 mm
4500 mm
Width
1890 mm
1865 mm
Height
1687.5 mm
1680 mm
Kerb Weight
1470 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Weight
2342 kg
1939 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
477 l
584 l
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
-
Turning Radius
5.85 m
-
Load Bed Length
477 l
584 l
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
1058 mm
-
Rear Legroom
990 mm
-
Front Shoulder Room
1504 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1441 mm
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1148 l
1349 l
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
872 kg
-
Boot Volume
477 l
584 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
51 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
2342 kg
1939 kg
Ground Clearance Max
178.8 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
178.8 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
178.8 mm
200 mm
Height Mm
1687.5 mm
1680 mm
Length Mm
4745 mm
4500 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
477 l
584 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
872 kg
-
Cargo Volume
477 l
584 l
Tare Mass Kg
1470 kg
-
Turning Circle
5.85 m
-
Turning Circle M
5.85 m
-
Width Mm
1890 mm
1865 mm
Front Track Width
-
-
Rear Track Width
-
-
Front Headroom
-
-
Rear Headroom
-
-
Spec
CX-60
J7
Engine
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.6 TGDI petrol
Engine Type
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.6 TGDI petrol
Displacement
2488 cc
1.6 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Power
141 kW
145 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
5500
Torque
261 Nm
290 Nm
Torque @ RPM
3000
1750-4000
Turbocharger
Naturally Aspirated
Standard
Top Speed
201 km/h
-
0-100 km/h
9.9 sec
-
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
-
Cylinder Bore
89 mm
-
Piston Stroke
100 mm
-
Power
189 bhp
194.4 bhp
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Engine Type Config
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.6 TGDI petrol
0–100 km/h
9.9 sec
-
Engine Displacement
2488 cc
1.6 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
2488 cc
1.6 cc
Acceleration 0 100
9.9 sec
-
Engine Config
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder SKYACTIV-G
1.6 TGDI petrol
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
2488 cc
1.6 cc
Engine Power kW
141 kW
145 kW
Engine Torque Nm
261 Nm
290 Nm
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Max Power kW
141 kW
145 kW
Max Torque Nm
261 Nm
290 Nm
Maximum Power
141 kW
145 kW
Maximum Torque
261 Nm
290 Nm
Power kW Rpm
6000
5500
Torque Nm Rpm
3000
1750-4000
Turbo Type
-
Single turbo
Valves per Cylinder
-
16
Fuel System
-
Petrol injection
Engine Code
-
SQRF4J16C
Fuel Grade Required
-
Petrol
Engine Valves
-
16
Spec
CX-60
J7
Transmission
8-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, all-wheel drive
FWD
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
4.181
-
Number of Gears
8 km/h
7 km/h
Transmission Type
8-Speed Auto
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Auto
Automatic
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Gearbox Type
8-Speed Auto
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
AWD
FWD
Transmission Speeds
8 km/h
7 km/h
LSD Available
-
-
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Clutch Type
-
Automatic clutch
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Spec
CX-60
J7
Claimed Mileage
13.0 km/l
14.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
7.7 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
7.7 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
7.7 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
7.7 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
7.7 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
7.7 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
58 l
51 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
-
-
Highway Mileage
-
-
Real-world Mileage
13.0 km/l
14.3 km/l
Spec
CX-60
J7
Airbags
7
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
-
AEB
Standard
-
BA
Standard
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Driver & Passenger
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
-
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Spec
CX-60
J7
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
-
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
-
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
-
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
-
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
-
Auto Highbeam
Standard
-
Auto Wipers
Standard
-
Drive Modes
Off-road, Sport, Towing
Eco / Normal / Sport
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
-
Around View Monitor
Standard
-
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
-
Park Assist
-
-
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Spec
CX-60
J7
Seat Material
Black Leather
Fabric or cloth trim
Heated Seats
-
-
Ventilated Seats
-
-
Ambient Lighting
-
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Polyurethane / synthetic
60 40 Split Seat
(40:20:40)
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable (Driver & Passenger) w. memory (Driver)
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power adjustable (Driver & Passenger) w. memory (Driver)
Manual
Seat Trim
Black Leather
Fabric
Spec
CX-60
J7
Climate Control
Dual-zone climate control
Manual / automatic by trim
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
-
Sunroof
Panoramic
-
Electric Tailgate
Standard
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
-
AC Type
Dual-zone climate control
Manual / automatic by trim
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Electric
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Standard
Service Plan
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Valves Per Cylinder
-
4
Spec
CX-60
J7
Infotainment Screen
Standard
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12
4-6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Standard
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB where listed
Infotainment Screen
12-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Touchscreen
12-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
CX-60
J7
LED Headlamps
Standard
LED / halogen by trim
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Silver Metallic
-
Exterior Colour Options
Mazda South Africa lists model-specific premium paint finishes; current stock should be checked against the selected cabin and edition.
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Headlights
Standard
LED / halogen by trim
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic
-
Fog Lamps
-
-
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Spec
CX-60
J7
Approach Angle
18.6 deg
-
Departure Angle
20 deg
-
Terrain Modes
Off-road, Sport, Towing
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Locking Differential
-
-
4WD System Type
AWD
FWD
Breakover Angle
-
-
Spec
CX-60
J7
Tyre Size
235/50 R20
235/55 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T155/90 D18
-
Wheel Rim Size
20x7-1/2J
235/55 R18
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electronic parking brake
Spec
CX-60
J7
Front Suspension
Double wishbone
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Multi-link
Spec
CX-60
J7
CO2 Emissions
180 g/km
163 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Spec
CX-60
J7
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
entry-value
Price Source
https://www.mazda.co.za/specs-and-compare
Official model page price card
Price Zar
902000 ZAR
519900 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
entry-value
Starting Price
902000
519900
Starting Price Zar
902000
519900
Spec
CX-60
J7
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Spec
CX-60
J7
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
CX-60 leads by 2 points
Both CX-60 and J7 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
CX-60
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
51/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
68/100
Ownership
55/100
J7
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
75/100
Practicality
78/100
Ownership
55/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Mazda CX-60
wins with 68 pts
vs 66 pts for J7
In structured scoring, CX-60 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, J7 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 CX-60 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-60 51 vs J7 56. 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-60 99, J7 75. 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-60 55, J7 55. 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-60 68, J7 78. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: CX-60 59, J7 59. 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 CX-60 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The CX-60 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-60 and J7 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: CX-60 scores 59 vs 59.
Efficiency: CX-60 scores 51 vs 56.
Safety: CX-60 scores 99 vs 75.
Practicality: CX-60 scores 68 vs 78.
Ownership: CX-60 scores 55 vs 55.
Final structured scoring gives CX-60
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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