VS
At a Glance
Power
118 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
253 Nm
200Nm@4000
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
6.9L/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
1000kg
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
9.5s
Engine
1482 cc
1998cc
Choosing between the KIA Seltos and the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Seltos delivers 118 kW while the Mazda CX-5 produces 114kW@6000. On fuel, the Seltos returns 6.2 l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R626 995 for the Seltos 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.
Specification
KIA Seltos1.5t DCT GT-LINE 2024 - From R626 995
Mazda CX-52.0 Individual 4x2 AT 2013 - From R397 400
Performance
Power Output
118 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
253 Nm
200Nm@4000
0-100 kph
8.9 s
9.5s
Top Speed
195 Km/h
187km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1482 cc
1998cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
6.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
56L
CO2 Emissions
141 g/km
161g/km
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
4555mm
Width
1800 mm
-1840mm
Height
1620 mm
1670mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2700mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
150mm
Kerb Weight
1364 Kg
1479kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
433 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
1000kg
Load Capacity
—
1390kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
BEAM
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
48
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
4yr
—
Service Plan Distance
60000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Seltos
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Seltos
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
CX-5
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
KIA Seltos
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Mazda CX-5
Lower starting price (R397 400)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos uses 6.2 l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos produces 118 kW and 253 Nm of torque while the CX-5 delivers 114kW@6000 and 200Nm@4000 of torque. The Seltos is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and CX-5?
The Seltos starts from R626 995 and the CX-5 from R397 400. The CX-5 is cheaper by R229 595 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 1000kg. 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.