Verdict
At RM134,469, the Mazda CX-5 costs just RM669 more than the RM133,800 Toyota Corolla Cross, yet brings a 2.0-litre 162 hp/213 Nm engine against 1.8 litres, 138 hp and 172 Nm. It is also 90 mm longer with a 60 mm longer wheelbase, while its 442-litre boot is effectively level with the Toyota’s 440 litres. The Corolla fights back with a far stronger safety and convenience count: autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. For Malaysian buyers, this is a close call between Mazda mechanicals and Toyota driver assistance.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you want 162 hp, 213 Nm, a six-speed automatic and a roomier 2,700 mm wheelbase for only RM669 more.
Pick the Toyota Corolla Cross if autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera matter more than outright engine output.
Key differences
- Engine output: Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm; Toyota Corolla Cross 138 hp and 172 Nm.
- Dimensions: Mazda CX-5 is 4,550 mm long with a 2,700 mm wheelbase; Toyota Corolla Cross is 4,460 mm long with a 2,640 mm wheelbase.
- Transmission: Mazda CX-5 uses a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic; Toyota Corolla Cross uses a CVT automatic.
- Rear suspension: Mazda CX-5 has multi-link; Toyota Corolla Cross has a torsion beam.
- Driver assistance: Mazda CX-5 has no autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist; Toyota Corolla Cross has autonomous braking and steering correction.
- Road tax: Mazda CX-5 is RM439 yearly; Toyota Corolla Cross is RM359 yearly.
CX-5
- 162 hp and 213 Nm, versus 138 hp and 172 Nm.
- Six-speed automatic with manual shift and Sport mode.
- Longer 2,700 mm wheelbase and 40:20:40 rear seat split.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist.
- No front parking sensors or 360-degree camera.
- RM80 higher annual road tax.
Corolla Cross
- Autonomous braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and steering correction.
- Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
- 18-inch wheels, powered hands-free boot and eight-way power driver’s seat.
- Less powerful 138 hp/172 Nm 1.8-litre engine.
- 60 mm shorter wheelbase and 90 mm shorter body.
- Torsion-beam rear suspension instead of multi-link.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM134,469 | RM133,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM359✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp✓ | 138 hp |
| Torque | 213 Nm✓ | 172 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h | 185 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,825 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | 1,405 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres✓ | 440 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| 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 for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers | 10.1" Capacitive Touchscreen Display, 6 Speakers, Wireless Carplay and Wired Android Auto, USB and Bluetooth |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & 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 | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 CX-5 & Corolla Cross for sale
CX-5 vs Corolla Cross FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota Corolla Cross better?
The CX-5 is better for engine performance and cabin footprint, with 162 hp, 213 Nm and a 2,700 mm wheelbase. The Corolla Cross is better equipped for active safety, adding autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, steering correction and adaptive cruise control.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM134,469 and the Toyota Corolla Cross costs RM133,800, so the Mazda is RM669 dearer. Its annual road tax is RM439, compared with RM359 for the Toyota.
Which has more boot space and seating flexibility?
Boot space is virtually identical: 442 litres in the Mazda CX-5 and 440 litres in the Toyota Corolla Cross. The Mazda has a more flexible 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench; the Toyota uses a 60:40 split with a centre armrest.
