Verdict
Just RM581 separates these two CKD C-segment SUVs: the Mazda CX-5 costs RM134,469 and the Nissan X-Trail RM133,888. The CX-5 brings a meaningful 20 hp and 13 Nm advantage from its 2.0-litre petrol engine, plus LED projector headlamps, six airbags and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. But the X-Trail is the family-first choice, with seven seats, a 550-litre boot, 60-litre tank and around-view monitor. Its 142 hp, halogen headlamps and four airbags leave it looking less well equipped for almost identical money.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you want 162 hp and 213 Nm, stronger safety lighting and six airbags in a five-seat SUV.
Pick the Nissan X-Trail if you need seven seats, a 550-litre boot and an around-view monitor for just RM581 less.
Key differences
- Power and torque: Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm; Nissan X-Trail 142 hp and 200 Nm.
- Seating and boot space: Mazda CX-5 five seats and 442 litres; Nissan X-Trail seven seats and 550 litres.
- Dimensions: Mazda CX-5 is 4,550 mm long and 1,675 mm tall; Nissan X-Trail is 4,690 mm long and 1,740 mm tall.
- Safety restraint count: Mazda CX-5 has six airbags; Nissan X-Trail has four airbags.
- Headlamps: Mazda CX-5 uses LED projectors; Nissan X-Trail uses halogen reflectors.
- Warranty mileage: Mazda CX-5 is covered for five years/100,000 km; Nissan X-Trail for five years with unlimited mileage.
CX-5
- 162 hp and 213 Nm, versus 142 hp and 200 Nm.
- LED projector headlamps and six airbags.
- 8.0-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Only five seats and a 442-litre boot, against seven seats and 550 litres.
- Five-year warranty is capped at 100,000 km; the X-Trail's is unlimited mileage.
- No around-view monitor; the X-Trail has one.
X-Trail
- Seven seats with sliding, reclining second-row seats.
- 550-litre boot and a 60-litre fuel tank.
- Around-view monitor and unlimited-mileage five-year warranty.
- 142 hp and 200 Nm trail the CX-5's 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Halogen reflector headlamps versus the CX-5's LED projectors.
- Four airbags versus six in the CX-5.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM134,469 | RM133,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM439✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,997 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp✓ | 142 hp |
| Torque | 213 Nm✓ | 200 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 11.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | XTRONIC CVT with 7-speed Manual Mode |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Jatco |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.5 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,690 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,740 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,705 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | 1,558 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres | 550 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | Continental ContiCrossContact LX Sport |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Five Twin-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Five Twin-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Engine Brake, Intelligent Trace Control, Active Brake Limited Slip |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side |
| 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 | 7 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer middle row passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Driver and front passenger only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | Manual Reclining and Sliding Middle Row with 60:40 Split-folding, Last Row 50:50 Split-folding |
| 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 | 2 Front, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers | 7" Touchscreen Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Support |
| 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 | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Around View Monitor (AVM) |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | 5" Advance Drive Assist Display (ADAD) within Instrument Cluster, Under-boot Tonneau Cover |
| 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 & X-Trail for sale
CX-5 vs X-Trail FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Nissan X-Trail better?
The CX-5 is better for performance and core equipment, with 162 hp, LED projectors and six airbags. The X-Trail is better for larger families because it has seven seats, a 550-litre boot and an around-view monitor.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM581 more than the Nissan X-Trail. That is a very small gap, so the decision should rest on five-seat performance and equipment versus the X-Trail's extra seating and cargo space.
Which one is better for carrying a family?
The Nissan X-Trail is the clear choice for larger families: it has seven seats, 50:50-split last-row seats and a 550-litre boot. The Mazda CX-5 has five seats and a 442-litre boot.