VS
At a Glance
Power
145 kW
121 kW
Torque
290 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.4 s
Engine
1598 cc
1998 cc
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 121 kW. On fuel, the J7 returns 7.8 l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R679 900 for the J7 and R570 500 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
121 kW
Torque
290 Nm
213 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.4 s
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
57 l
56 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
160 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4500 mm
4575 mm
Width
1865 mm
1845-2115 mm
Height
1680 mm
1675 mm
Wheelbase
2672 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
200 mm
185 mm
Kerb Weight
1709 Kg
1575 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1256 l
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
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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
5
Service Plan Distance
70000
unlimited
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
More powerful engine (145 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mazda CX-5
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R570 500)
Less power than rival (121 kW vs 145 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the J7 or CX-5?
The J7 uses 7.8 l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9 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 J7 or CX-5?
The J7 produces 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque while the CX-5 delivers 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The J7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the J7 and CX-5?
The J7 starts from R679 900 and the CX-5 from R570 500. The CX-5 is cheaper by R109 400 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 Kg. 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.