GAC Emkoo vs Mazda CX-5
Verdict
On these numbers, the GAC Emkoo gives the stronger case for a Malaysian C-segment SUV buyer. It costs RM123,800, which is RM10,669 less than the RM134,469 Mazda CX-5, yet has 175 hp and 270 Nm against 162 hp and 213 Nm. It is quicker to 100 km/h by 1.6 seconds, has a much larger 638-litre boot and road tax is RM120 instead of RM439. The CX-5 counters with a conventional automatic and a slightly smaller body, but it is the older-feeling buy on paper.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you want the cheaper SUV with more power, more torque, a bigger boot and lower yearly road tax.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you want the conventional automatic, the smaller footprint and can live with less performance and cargo space.
Key differences
- Price: GAC Emkoo RM123,800; Mazda CX-5 RM134,469
- Engine output: GAC Emkoo 175 hp/270 Nm; Mazda CX-5 162 hp/213 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: GAC Emkoo 8.8 s; Mazda CX-5 10.4 s
- Boot space: GAC Emkoo 638 L; Mazda CX-5 442 L
- Size: GAC Emkoo 4,680 mm long/1,901 mm wide; Mazda CX-5 4,550 mm long/1,840 mm wide
- Road tax: GAC Emkoo RM120/year; Mazda CX-5 RM439/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 123,800✓ | RM 134,469 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,497 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 175 hp✓ | 162 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 213 Nm |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.8 s✓ | 10.4 s |
| Top speed | 190 km/h✓ | 176 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,901 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Boot space | 638 L✓ | 442 L |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 56 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 120✓ | RM 439 |
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.
Emkoo
- Stronger 175 hp and 270 Nm outputs
- 638-litre boot is far larger
- Lower RM120 annual road tax
- Wider 1,901 mm body than the CX-5
- Wet dual-clutch automatic, not a conventional automatic
- Slightly lower 1,670 mm height
CX-5
- Conventional automatic transmission
- Narrower 1,840 mm body
- Same 5-seat layout and 5-year warranty
- Costs RM10,669 more
- Lower 162 hp and 213 Nm outputs
- Smaller 442-litre boot
Emkoo vs CX-5 FAQ
Is the GAC Emkoo or Mazda CX-5 better?
The GAC Emkoo is better on the numbers: it is cheaper, quicker, more powerful, has more torque, a bigger boot and lower road tax. The Mazda CX-5 only has the clear paper advantage of a conventional automatic and a smaller body.
What is the price difference?
The GAC Emkoo costs RM123,800, while the Mazda CX-5 costs RM134,469. That makes the Mazda RM10,669 more expensive.
Which SUV has more boot space?
The GAC Emkoo has the larger boot at 638 litres. The Mazda CX-5 has 442 litres, so the Emkoo gives you an extra 196 litres of luggage capacity.