VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
213 Nm
320Nm@2000
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
8.1
Towing
1000 Kg
1800
0-100 km/h
10.4 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1995
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the NISSAN X-TRAIL is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-5 delivers 121 kW while the NISSAN X-TRAIL produces 110kW@4000. On fuel, the CX-5 returns 6.9 l/100km while the X-TRAIL uses 8.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R688 400 for the CX-5 and R435 900 for the X-TRAIL. 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
121 kW
110kW@4000
Torque
213 Nm
320Nm@2000
0-100 kph
10.4 s
—
Top Speed
—
188
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1995
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
8.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
65
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
214
Dimensions
Length
4575 mm
4630
Width
1845-2115 mm
1785
Height
1680 mm
1685
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2630
Ground Clearance
193 mm
203
Kerb Weight
1575 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
438-1914 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1800
Load Capacity
—
1773
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ 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
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-5
Fuel Economy
CX-5
Value
X-TRAIL
Practicality
X-TRAIL
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-5
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
NISSAN X-TRAIL
Lower starting price (R435 900)
Higher towing capacity (1800)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-5 or X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km and the X-TRAIL uses 8.1 on the combined cycle. The CX-5 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 CX-5 or X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 produces 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the X-TRAIL delivers 110kW@4000 and 320Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CX-5 and X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 starts from R688 400 and the X-TRAIL from R435 900. The X-TRAIL is cheaper by R252 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-5 or X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the X-TRAIL can tow 1800. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-5 or the X-TRAIL?
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.