Verdict
Just RM1,689 separates them, but they suit very different Malaysian use. The iCaur V23 brings 208 hp, 292 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time, against the CX-5’s 162 hp, 213 Nm, front-wheel drive and 10.4 seconds. It also claims 430 km from its 81.76-kWh battery, with RM180 annual road tax versus RM439. But the Mazda is the proper five-seat family carrier: its 442-litre boot is 208 litres larger, and it is 330 mm longer. Choose charging convenience and safety assistance, or choose passenger and luggage capacity.
Pick the iCaur V23 if home or workplace charging is practical and you want 430 km claimed range, AWD traction and a much broader active-safety suite in a compact four-seater.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if five seats, a 442-litre boot, a 56-litre petrol tank and easier long-distance refuelling matter more than EV running costs and acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: iCaur V23 RM132,780; Mazda CX-5 RM134,469.
- Powertrain: iCaur V23 has two motors producing 208 hp and 292 Nm; Mazda CX-5 has a 1,998 cc petrol engine with 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Performance: iCaur V23 does 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reaches 140 km/h; Mazda CX-5 takes 10.4 seconds and reaches 176 km/h.
- Energy and road tax: iCaur V23 has an 81.76-kWh battery, 430 km range and RM180 annual road tax; Mazda CX-5 has a 56-litre petrol tank and RM439 annual road…
- Cabin capacity: iCaur V23 has four seats and a 234-litre boot; Mazda CX-5 has five seats and a 442-litre boot.
- Warranty: iCaur V23 has a seven-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty plus an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty; Mazda CX-5 has a five-year/100,000 km warranty.
V23
- 208 hp, 292 Nm AWD electric drivetrain and 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 430 km claimed range, 104 kW DC charging and 3.3 kW V2L.
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
- Four seats and a 234-litre boot, versus the CX-5’s five seats and 442 litres.
- 140 km/h top speed is 36 km/h lower than the CX-5’s.
- At 1,820 kg, it is 232 kg heavier than the CX-5.
CX-5
- Five seats, 442-litre boot and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
- 176 km/h top speed and a 56-litre petrol tank for quick refuelling.
- Dual-zone climate control, rear air-con vents and a space-saver spare tyre.
- RM439 annual road tax is RM259 more than the iCaur V23’s RM180.
- Its 10.4-second 0-100 km/h time trails the iCaur V23 by 2.9 seconds.
- It lacks the iCaur V23’s autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM132,780✓ | RM134,469 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM180✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 162 hp |
| Torque | — | 213 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 13 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 208 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 292 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 81.76 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 430 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 104 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 10.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h | 176 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,220 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,915 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,845 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,820 kg | 1,588 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 234 litres | 442 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 265/45R21 | 225/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/45R21 | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Chao Yang Radial RP76+ | Continental CrossContact LX Sport |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 21" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 21" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | 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 | 4 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 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 | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 50:50 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 15.4" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 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 Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | 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 | Remote Control Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Years/160000 km Battery Warranty, Drive Unit & High Voltage Components | — |
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 V23 & CX-5 for sale
V23 vs CX-5 FAQ
Is the iCaur V23 or Mazda CX-5 better?
The iCaur V23 is better for buyers with reliable charging who want faster acceleration, AWD, lower road tax and driver assistance systems. The Mazda CX-5 is better for a five-person household needing its 442-litre boot and petrol refuelling flexibility.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM134,469, which is RM1,689 more than the RM132,780 iCaur V23.
Can the iCaur V23 carry as much as the Mazda CX-5?
No. The iCaur V23 has four seats and a 234-litre boot, while the Mazda CX-5 has five seats and a 442-litre boot. The Mazda also gets a 40:20:40 split-folding rear bench.