Verdict
At just RM80 more, the Omoda Jaecoo J5 is the stronger buy for most Malaysian families. Its 145 hp/210 Nm 1.5-litre turbo has a clear edge over the Mazda CX-3’s 114 hp/149 Nm 1.5-litre, and the J5 is 105 mm longer with a 480-litre boot versus 350 litres. It also brings six airbags, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control, where the CX-3 has two airbags and passive cruise control. The Mazda fights back with a head-up display, driver-seat memory and five years/100,000 km free service.
Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J5 if you want more power, a 480-litre boot and a fuller active-safety kit for RM80 more.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if a head-up display, driver-seat memory and included five-year/100,000 km servicing matter more than performance and luggage space.
Key differences
- Price: Omoda Jaecoo J5 RM108,000; Mazda CX-3 RM107,920.
- Power and torque: J5 145 hp and 210 Nm; CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm.
- Boot space: J5 480 litres; CX-3 350 litres.
- Airbags: J5 six; CX-3 two.
- Length and wheelbase: J5 4,380 mm and 2,620 mm; CX-3 4,275 mm and 2,570 mm.
- Warranty: J5 seven years/150,000 km; CX-3 five years/100,000 km.
J5
- 145 hp and 210 Nm turbo petrol engine.
- 480-litre boot and 2,620 mm wheelbase.
- Six airbags, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control.
- No head-up display or driver-seat memory.
- No included five-year/100,000 km free-service package.
CX-3
- Head-up display and driver-seat memory function.
- Six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic with Sport mode.
- Five-year/100,000 km free service included.
- 114 hp and 149 Nm trail the J5’s 145 hp and 210 Nm.
- 350-litre boot is 130 litres smaller than the J5’s.
- Only two airbags, and no autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM108,000 | RM107,920✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 145 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ | 114 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 210 Nm at 1,750 rpm✓ | 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.2 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,380 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,860 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 48 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres✓ | 350 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Chao Yang Aggressor ZS03+ M+S | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | G-Vectoring Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver & Front Passenger Powered Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 front, 2 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Shade | — |
| Audio | 13.2-inch Portrait Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Karaoke Functionality | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used J5 & CX-3 for sale
J5 vs CX-3 FAQ
Is the Omoda Jaecoo J5 or Mazda CX-3 better?
The Omoda Jaecoo J5 is better for most buyers: it costs only RM80 more, has 31 hp and 61 Nm more, a 480-litre boot, six airbags, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control. Choose the CX-3 for its head-up display, seat memory and free servicing.
What is the price difference?
The Omoda Jaecoo J5 costs RM108,000 and the Mazda CX-3 costs RM107,920, so the J5 is RM80 more expensive.
Which has the larger boot?
The Omoda Jaecoo J5 has the larger boot at 480 litres. The Mazda CX-3 has 350 litres, leaving the J5 with a 130-litre advantage.
