Verdict
The RM8,437 step from RM170,323 to RM178,760 buys all-wheel drive and 55 hp more, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 9.1 to 8.8 seconds. But the diesel counters with 450 Nm against 420 Nm, a 206 km/h top speed versus 196 km/h, and RM593 annual road tax rather than RM830. With no stated equipment gain in the 2.5T, the 2.2D High 2WD is the smarter Malaysian buy unless AWD and stronger acceleration are priorities.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 2.2D High 2WD if lower entry cost, higher torque and lower annual road tax matter more than AWD.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 2.5T High AWD if you specifically want all-wheel drive and the quicker 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Driveline: front-wheel drive vs all-wheel drive
- Power: 173 hp vs 228 hp
- Torque: 450 Nm vs 420 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 9.1 seconds vs 8.8 seconds
- Top speed: 206 km/h vs 196 km/h
- Annual road tax: RM593 vs RM830
2.2D High 2WD
- Lower purchase price
- 450 Nm, 30 Nm more than the 2.5T
- RM593 annual road tax
- Front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive
- 173 hp, down 55 hp on the 2.5T
- 0-100 km/h takes 9.1 seconds, 0.3 seconds slower
2.5T High AWD
- All-wheel drive
- 228 hp, 55 hp more than the diesel
- 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Costs RM8,437 more
- RM830 annual road tax, RM237 higher
- 420 Nm and a 196 km/h top speed trail the diesel's 450 Nm and 206 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM170,323✓ | RM178,760 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM593✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Variable Geometry Turbocharger, Common-rail Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,191 cc | 2,488 cc |
| Horsepower | 173 hp | 228 hp✓ |
| Torque | 450 Nm✓ | 420 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.1 seconds | 8.8 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 206 km/h✓ | 196 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,671 kg | 1,718 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 58 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres | 442 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R19 | 225/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R19 | 225/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes R46 | Toyo Proxes R46 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloy | 19" 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 and Passenger, Front Side, 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 |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory Function and Ventilation | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory Function and Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| 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 | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & 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 with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| 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 | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| 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 cars for sale
2.2D High 2WD vs 2.5T High AWD FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 2.2D High 2WD or Mazda CX-5 2.5T High AWD better?
The 2.5T High AWD is better for buyers who specifically want AWD and an 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time. The 2.2D High 2WD is the better-value choice, with 450 Nm and lower annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 2.5T High AWD costs RM8,437 more than the Mazda CX-5 2.2D High 2WD.
Does the 2.5T High AWD get more equipment?
No stated equipment difference separates them. Both get a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Smart City Brake Support front and rear, ventilated front seats and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
