VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
120 kW
Torque
213 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
10.4 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Mitsubishi Destinator is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mazda CX-5 delivers 121 kW while the Mitsubishi Destinator produces 120 kW. On fuel, the CX-5 returns 6.9 l/100km while the Destinator uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R570 500 for the CX-5 and R569 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.
Specification
Mazda CX-52.0 Active A/T 2024 - From R570 500
Mitsubishi Destinator1.5t Exceed CVT 2026 - From R569 990
Performance
Power Output
121 kW
120 kW
Torque
213 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
10.4 s
—
Top Speed
-
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
172 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4575 mm
4680 mm
Width
1845-2115 mm
1840 mm
Height
1675 mm
1780 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance
185 mm
214 mm
Kerb Weight
1575 Kg
1500 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
438-1914 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
5yr
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
75000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-5
Fuel Economy
CX-5
Value
Tied
Practicality
CX-5
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-5
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mitsubishi Destinator
Lower starting price (R569 990)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (120 kW vs 121 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-5 or Destinator?
The CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km and the Destinator uses 7.2 l/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 Destinator?
The CX-5 produces 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the Destinator delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CX-5 and Destinator?
The CX-5 starts from R570 500 and the Destinator from R569 990, a difference of just R510, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. 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 Kg 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.