Verdict
For RM10,331 less, the Mazda CX-5 brings SUV proportions, a 162 hp/213 Nm 2.0-litre engine and a 56-litre tank, against the Toyota Corolla sedan’s 137 hp/172 Nm 1.8-litre unit and 50 litres. The Corolla counters with a 470-litre boot, 28 litres more than the CX-5, plus adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go, a 360-degree camera and seven airbags. Its 2,700 mm wheelbase matches the Mazda’s, but the CX-5 is 240 mm taller, so choose body style as seriously as equipment here.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you want the lower RM134,469 entry price, SUV body and 25 hp/41 Nm more output.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, seven airbags and the larger 470-litre boot matter more than SUV height.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-5 RM134,469; Toyota Corolla RM144,800.
- Engine output: Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm; Toyota Corolla 137 hp and 172 Nm.
- Body height: Mazda CX-5 1,675 mm; Toyota Corolla 1,435 mm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-5 442 litres; Toyota Corolla 470 litres.
- Airbags: Mazda CX-5 six; Toyota Corolla seven.
- Cruise control: Mazda CX-5 passive; Toyota Corolla adaptive with steering assist and stop-and-go.
CX-5
- RM10,331 lower purchase price.
- 162 hp and 213 Nm beat the Corolla’s 137 hp and 172 Nm.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports and a wireless charger.
- 442-litre boot is 28 litres smaller.
- Six airbags versus the Corolla’s seven.
- No adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors or 360-degree camera.
Corolla
- Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go.
- 470-litre boot and a full-size 17-inch alloy spare wheel.
- Seven airbags, 360-degree camera and front parking sensors.
- RM10,331 more expensive.
- 137 hp and 172 Nm trail the CX-5 by 25 hp and 41 Nm.
- 50-litre fuel tank is 6 litres smaller.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM134,469✓ | RM144,800 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM279✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 137 hp at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 213 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ | 172 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm | 80.5 mm × 88.3 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | 7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | 1,365 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres | 470 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| 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 |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| 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 | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front |
| 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 | 9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 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 | Full LCD Monitor |
| 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 for sale
CX-5 vs Corolla FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota Corolla better?
The CX-5 is the stronger value choice for an SUV buyer, with 162 hp, 213 Nm and a lower price. Choose the Corolla for its 470-litre boot, seven airbags, 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Corolla costs RM10,331 more than the Mazda CX-5: RM144,800 versus RM134,469.
Which has the better safety and driver-assistance equipment?
The Corolla has the stronger listed package: seven airbags, all-seat belt reminders, auto high beam, front sensors, a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control. The CX-5 has six airbags, front-seat reminders and passive cruise control.
