VS
At a Glance
Power
145 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
290 Nm
200Nm@4000
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
6.9
Towing
—
1000
0-100 km/h
—
9.5
Engine
1598 cc
1998
Choosing between the Jaecoo J7 and the MAZDA CX-5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Jaecoo J7 delivers 145 kW while the MAZDA CX-5 produces 114kW@6000. On fuel, the J7 returns 7.0 l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R579 900 for the J7 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.
Performance
Power Output
145 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
290 Nm
200Nm@4000
0-100 kph
—
9.5
Top Speed
—
187
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
1998
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
7.0 l/100km
6.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
56
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
161
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4555
Width
1865 mm
-1840
Height
1680 mm
1670
Wheelbase
2672 mm
2700
Ground Clearance
200 mm
150
Kerb Weight
1604 Kg
1479
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
584-1349 l
—
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
8
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
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
BEAM
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
48
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
70000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MAZDA CX-5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
J7
Fuel Economy
CX-5
Value
CX-5
Practicality
CX-5
Pros & Cons
Jaecoo J7
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
MAZDA CX-5
Better fuel economy (6.9)
Lower starting price (R397 400)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the J7 or CX-5?
The J7 uses 7.0 l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9 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 J7 or CX-5?
The J7 produces 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque while the CX-5 delivers 114kW@6000 and 200Nm@4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the J7 and CX-5?
The J7 starts from R579 900 and the CX-5 from R397 400. The CX-5 is cheaper by R182 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the J7 or CX-5?
The J7 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CX-5 can tow 1000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the J7 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.