VS
At a Glance
Power
255 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
525 Nm
200Nm@4000
Fuel
1.0 when hybrid battery charged / 4.7 co
6.9
Towing
—
1000
0-100 km/h
—
9.5
Engine
1499 cc
1998
Choosing between the Jaecoo J7 and the MAZDA CX-5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Jaecoo J7 delivers 255 kW while the MAZDA CX-5 produces 114kW@6000. On fuel, the J7 returns 1.0 when hybrid battery charged / 4.7 combined / 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R689 900 for the J7 and R397 400 for the CX-5. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
255 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
525 Nm
200Nm@4000
0-100 kph
—
9.5
Top Speed
120 Km/h
187
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1998
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.0 when hybrid battery charged / 4.7 co
6.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 litre + 18.3 kWh l
56
CO2 Emissions
31 when hybrid battery charged g/km
161
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4555
Width
1865 mm
-1840
Height
1670 mm
1670
Wheelbase
2672 mm
2700
Ground Clearance
174 mm
150
Kerb Weight
1794 Kg
1479
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
340-500-1265 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000
Load Capacity
416 l
1390
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
BEAM
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner / 10
48
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
J7
Fuel Economy
J7
Value
CX-5
Practicality
CX-5
Pros & Cons
Jaecoo J7
Better fuel economy (1.0 when hybrid battery charged / 4.7 combined / 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
MAZDA CX-5
Lower starting price (R397 400)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the J7 or CX-5?
The J7 uses 1.0 when hybrid battery charged / 4.7 combined / 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9 on the combined cycle. The J7 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the J7 or CX-5?
The J7 produces 255 kW and 525 Nm of torque while the CX-5 delivers 114kW@6000 and 200Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the J7 and CX-5?
The J7 starts from R689 900 and the CX-5 from R397 400. The CX-5 is cheaper by R292 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the J7 or CX-5?
The J7 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CX-5 can tow 1000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the J7 or the CX-5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.