VS
At a Glance
Power
118 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
253 Nm
200Nm@4000
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
6.9
Towing
1100 Kg
1000
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
9.5
Engine
1482 cc
1998
Choosing between the Kia Seltos and the MAZDA CX-5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Seltos delivers 118 kW while the MAZDA CX-5 produces 114kW@6000. On fuel, the Seltos returns 6.2 l/100km while the CX-5 uses 6.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R626 995 for the Seltos 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
118 kW
114kW@6000
Torque
253 Nm
200Nm@4000
0-100 kph
8.9 s
9.5
Top Speed
195 Km/h
187
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1482 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
6.2 l/100km
6.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
56
CO2 Emissions
141 g/km
161
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
4555
Width
1800 mm
-1840
Height
1620 mm
1670
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2700
Ground Clearance
190 mm
150
Kerb Weight
1364 Kg
1479
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
433 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
1000
Load Capacity
—
1390
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
BEAM
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
48
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
4
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Seltos
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Seltos
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
CX-5
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
Kia Seltos
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.9 ss)
Higher starting price
MAZDA CX-5
Lower starting price (R397 400)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos uses 6.2 l/100km and the CX-5 uses 6.9 on the combined cycle. The Seltos 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 Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos produces 118 kW and 253 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 Seltos and CX-5?
The Seltos starts from R626 995 and the CX-5 from R397 400. The CX-5 is cheaper by R229 595 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seltos or CX-5?
The Seltos has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the CX-5 can tow 1000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seltos 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.