VS
At a Glance
Power
121 kW
115 kW
Torque
213 Nm
196 Nm
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
1400 Kg
0-100 km/h
10.4 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
1995 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-5 delivers 121 kW while the Subaru Crosstrek produces 115 kW. On fuel, the CX-5 returns 6.9 l/100km while the Crosstrek uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R617 900 for the CX-5 and R699 000 for the Crosstrek. 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
121 kW
115 kW
Torque
213 Nm
196 Nm
0-100 kph
10.4 s
—
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1995 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4575 mm
4495 mm
Width
1845-2115 mm
1800 mm
Height
1675 mm
1600 mm
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
193 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1575 Kg
1493 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
438-1914 l
320- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1400 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-5
Fuel Economy
CX-5
Value
CX-5
Practicality
Crosstrek
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-5
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R617 900)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Crosstrek
Higher towing capacity (1400 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 121 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-5 or Crosstrek?
The CX-5 uses 6.9 l/100km and the Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek?
The CX-5 produces 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque while the Crosstrek delivers 115 kW and 196 Nm of torque. The CX-5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-5 and Crosstrek?
The CX-5 starts from R617 900 and the Crosstrek from R699 000. The CX-5 is cheaper by R81 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-5 or Crosstrek?
The CX-5 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Crosstrek can tow 1400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-5 or the Crosstrek?
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.