VS
At a Glance
Power
114kW@6000
110kW@4000
Torque
200Nm@4000
320Nm@2000
Fuel
6.9
8.1
Towing
1000
1800
0-100 km/h
9.5
—
Engine
1998
1995
Choosing between the MAZDA CX-5 and the NISSAN X-TRAIL is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MAZDA CX-5 delivers 114kW@6000 while the NISSAN X-TRAIL produces 110kW@4000. On fuel, the CX-5 returns 6.9 while the X-TRAIL uses 8.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R396 800 for the CX-5 and R429 900 for the X-TRAIL. 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
114kW@6000
110kW@4000
Torque
200Nm@4000
320Nm@2000
0-100 kph
9.5
—
Top Speed
187
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998
1995
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
DIESEL
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9
8.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
56
60
CO2 Emissions
161
216
Dimensions
Length
4555
4630
Width
-1840
1785
Height
1670
1770
Wheelbase
2700
2630
Ground Clearance
150
203
Kerb Weight
1479
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000
1800
Load Capacity
1390
1479
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
BEAM
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
36
Warranty Distance
120000
100000
Service Plan
S
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MAZDA CX-5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
CX-5
Value
CX-5
Practicality
X-TRAIL
Pros & Cons
MAZDA CX-5
Better fuel economy (6.9)
Lower starting price (R396 800)
Few notable weaknesses
NISSAN X-TRAIL
Higher towing capacity (1800)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-5 or X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 uses 6.9 and the X-TRAIL uses 8.1 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 X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 produces 114kW@6000 and 200Nm@4000 of torque while the X-TRAIL delivers 110kW@4000 and 320Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CX-5 and X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 starts from R396 800 and the X-TRAIL from R429 900. The CX-5 is cheaper by R33 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 X-TRAIL?
The CX-5 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 and the X-TRAIL can tow 1800. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-5 or the X-TRAIL?
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.