VS
At a Glance
Power
114kW@6000
125kW@6000
Torque
200Nm@4000
226Nm@4400
Fuel
6.9L/100km
9.1L/100km
Towing
1000kg
1800kg
0-100 km/h
9.5s
-
Engine
1998cc
2488cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Nissan X-Trail is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mazda CX-5 delivers 114kW@6000 while the Nissan X-Trail produces 125kW@6000. On fuel, the CX-5 returns 6.9L/100km while the X-Trail uses 9.1L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R343 500 for the CX-5 and R452 000 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.
Specification
Mazda CX-52.0 Dynamic 4x2 AT 2012 - From R343 500
Nissan X-Trail2.5 4x4 LE CVT 2012 - From R452 000
Performance
Power Output
114kW@6000
125kW@6000
Torque
200Nm@4000
226Nm@4400
0-100 kph
9.5s
-
Top Speed
187km/h
214km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998cc
2488cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9L/100km
9.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
56L
65L
CO2 Emissions
161g/km
214g/km
Dimensions
Length
4555mm
4635mm
Width
-1840mm
-1790mm
Height
1670mm
1785mm
Wheelbase
2700mm
2630mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
203mm
Kerb Weight
1446kg
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000kg
1800kg
Load Capacity
1390kg
1773kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
36
Warranty Distance
120000km
100000km
Service Plan
S
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X-Trail
Fuel Economy
CX-5
Value
CX-5
Practicality
X-Trail
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-5
Better fuel economy (6.9L/100km)
Lower starting price (R343 500)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan X-Trail
Higher towing capacity (1800kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.1L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-5 or X-Trail?
The CX-5 uses 6.9L/100km and the X-Trail uses 9.1L/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-5 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 CX-5 or X-Trail?
The CX-5 produces 114kW@6000 and 200Nm@4000 of torque while the X-Trail delivers 125kW@6000 and 226Nm@4400 of torque. The X-Trail is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-5 and X-Trail?
The CX-5 starts from R343 500 and the X-Trail from R452 000. The CX-5 is cheaper by R108 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 1000kg and the X-Trail can tow 1800kg. 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.