Verdict
Only RM3,581 separates the RM134,469 Mazda CX-5 from the RM130,888 Suzuki Fronx, yet they serve rather different needs. The C-segment Mazda brings a 162 hp/213 Nm 2.0-litre, 442-litre boot and 2,700 mm wheelbase; the B-segment Suzuki has 100 hp/138 Nm, 308 litres and 2,520 mm. The Fronx counters with mild-hybrid assistance, adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and a 360-degree camera. Its RM120 annual road tax also undercuts the CX-5’s RM439. Choose space and power, or driver assistance and lower running tax.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you need the 442-litre boot, 162 hp and 213 Nm, plus a five-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty.
Pick the Suzuki Fronx if adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, a 360-degree camera and RM120 annual road tax matter more than outright space and power.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-5 RM134,469; Suzuki Fronx RM130,888.
- Power and torque: Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm; Suzuki Fronx 100 hp and 138 Nm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-5 442 litres; Suzuki Fronx 308 litres.
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda CX-5 4,550 mm and 2,700 mm; Suzuki Fronx 3,995 mm and 2,520 mm.
- Road tax per year: Mazda CX-5 RM439; Suzuki Fronx RM120.
- Warranty: Mazda CX-5 five years/100,000 km; Suzuki Fronx three years/100,000 km vehicle warranty.
CX-5
- 162 hp and 213 Nm from its 2.0-litre engine.
- 442-litre boot and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty.
- RM439 annual road tax versus the Fronx’s RM120.
- No blind spot system, autonomous braking or collision warning.
- No adaptive cruise control or 360-degree camera.
Fronx
- Adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and steering correction.
- 360-degree camera and head-up display.
- RM120 annual road tax and mild-hybrid assistance.
- 100 hp and 138 Nm trail the CX-5’s 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- 308-litre boot is 134 litres smaller than the CX-5’s.
- Three-year vehicle warranty is two years shorter than the CX-5’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM134,469 | RM130,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing and Mild-hybrid Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,462 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp✓ | 100 hp |
| Torque | 213 Nm✓ | 138 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | 6AT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| 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 | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 37 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres✓ | 308 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 215/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 215/50R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Indonesia (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front & 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 rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | For Front Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 6 Spekers |
| 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 | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 & Fronx for sale
CX-5 vs Fronx FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Suzuki Fronx better?
The Mazda CX-5 is better for a larger boot, stronger 162 hp/213 Nm output and a longer vehicle warranty. The Suzuki Fronx is better equipped for driver assistance, with adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM3,581 more than the Suzuki Fronx. That small gap buys a larger C-segment body, 134 litres more boot space and 62 hp more power, while the Fronx brings more active safety equipment.
Which has the lower annual road tax?
The Suzuki Fronx has the lower annual road tax at RM120, compared with RM439 for the Mazda CX-5. The Fronx uses a 1,462 cc mild-hybrid-assisted petrol engine; the CX-5 has a 1,998 cc naturally aspirated petrol engine.