VS
At a Glance
Power
114kW@6000
120 kW
Torque
200Nm@4000
250 Nm
Fuel
6.9
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1000
—
0-100 km/h
9.5
—
Engine
1998
1499 cc
Choosing between the MAZDA CX-5 and the Mitsubishi Destinator is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MAZDA CX-5 delivers 114kW@6000 while the Mitsubishi Destinator produces 120 kW. On fuel, the CX-5 returns 6.9 while the Destinator uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R344 100 for the CX-5 and R489 990 for the Destinator. 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
114kW@6000
120 kW
Torque
200Nm@4000
250 Nm
0-100 kph
9.5
—
Top Speed
187
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998
1499 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
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
6.9
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
56
45 l
CO2 Emissions
161
172 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4555
4680 mm
Width
-1840
1840 mm
Height
1670
1780 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2815 mm
Ground Clearance
150
214 mm
Kerb Weight
1446
1455 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000
—
Load Capacity
1390
—
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
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
5
Warranty Distance
120000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
75000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MAZDA CX-5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Destinator
Fuel Economy
CX-5
Value
CX-5
Practicality
CX-5
Pros & Cons
MAZDA CX-5
Better fuel economy (6.9)
Lower starting price (R344 100)
No factory service plan
Mitsubishi Destinator
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-5 or Destinator?
The CX-5 uses 6.9 and the Destinator uses 7.2 l/100km 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 Destinator?
The CX-5 produces 114kW@6000 and 200Nm@4000 of torque while the Destinator delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CX-5 and Destinator?
The CX-5 starts from R344 100 and the Destinator from R489 990. The CX-5 is cheaper by R145 890 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-5 or Destinator?
The CX-5 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 and the Destinator can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-5 or the Destinator?
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.