VS
At a Glance
Power
84 kW
121 kW
Torque
144 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
10.4 s
Engine
1497 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the Kia Seltos and the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Seltos delivers 84 kW while the Mazda CX-5 produces 121 kW. On fuel, the Seltos returns 6.3 l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R404 995 for the Seltos and R688 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
84 kW
121 kW
Torque
144 Nm
213 Nm
0-100 kph
12.3 s
10.4 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
56 l
CO2 Emissions
154 g/km
160 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
4575 mm
Width
1800 mm
1845-2115 mm
Height
1620 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
193 mm
Kerb Weight
1304 Kg
1575 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
433 l
438-1914 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
unlimited
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Seltos
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-5
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
Seltos
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
Kia Seltos
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R404 995)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Less power than rival (84 kW vs 121 kW)
Mazda CX-5
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos uses 6.3 l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos 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 Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos produces 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the CX-5 delivers 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The CX-5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and CX-5?
The Seltos starts from R404 995 and the CX-5 from R688 400. The Seltos is cheaper by R283 405 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the CX-5 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seltos 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.