Verdict
These two Mazdas cost almost the same, with just RM2,456 separating the RM296,610 CX-80 from the RM294,154 MX-5, but serve utterly different jobs. The CX-80 is a 4,995-mm six-seat SUV with a 17.8-kWh battery, 65 km EV range and all-wheel drive; it suits a family able to charge regularly. The MX-5 is a 1,119-kg, two-seat rear-wheel-drive convertible with a six-speed manual, and is 1,080 mm shorter. Its RM379 annual road tax also undercuts the CX-80’s RM830 bill.
Pick the Mazda CX-80 if six seats, a 258-litre boot, all-wheel drive and up to 65 km of electric running matter more than compact dimensions and a manual gearbox.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a 1,119-kg two-seat convertible with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual rather than family carrying capacity.
Key differences
- Price: CX-80 RM296,610; MX-5 RM294,154.
- Powertrain: CX-80 2,488 cc plug-in hybrid with one 172-hp/270-Nm motor and 65 km EV range; MX-5 1,998 cc petrol engine with no motor.
- Driveline and transmission: CX-80 all-wheel drive with 8-speed automatic; MX-5 rear-wheel drive with 6-speed manual.
- Size and weight: CX-80 4,995 mm long and 2,342 kg; MX-5 3,915 mm long and 1,119 kg.
- Seating and boot: CX-80 has six seats and 258 litres; MX-5 has two seats and 130 litres.
- Annual road tax: CX-80 RM830; MX-5 RM379.
CX-80
- Six seats, 258-litre boot and five doors.
- 17.8-kWh battery with 65 km EV range.
- Powered, heated and ventilated front seats; 360-degree monitor.
- At 2,342 kg, it is 1,223 kg heavier than the MX-5.
- RM830 annual road tax is RM451 higher.
- At 4,995 mm long, it is 1,080 mm longer than the MX-5.
MX-5
- 1,119-kg kerb weight, rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual.
- Power-folding retractable hard-top.
- RM379 annual road tax.
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot, versus six seats and 258 litres.
- No plug-in hybrid motor, battery or EV range.
- Manual front seats and no rear air-conditioning.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM296,610 | RM294,154✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Convertible |
| Segment | Executive | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and plug-in hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,488 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 189 hp✓ | 181 hp |
| Torque | 261 Nm✓ | 205 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | 89 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 13 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 172 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 270 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 17.8 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 65 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.2 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6MT-LSD |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | — | 220 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,995 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,705 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,120 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Weight | 2,342 kg | 1,119 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 70 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 6 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 258 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 205/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 205/45R17 |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 6 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for second row seats | Available on Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Heating, Ventilation and Memory Function | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | Individual Captain Seat Middle Row with Heating & Ventilation, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sliding Roof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Middle, 2 USB-C Third Row | 1 front, 2 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 1 front |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade, Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 12-speaker Bose Sound System | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000-km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 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-80 & MX-5 for sale
CX-80 vs MX-5 FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-80 or Mazda MX-5 better?
The CX-80 is better for carrying people and luggage: it has six seats, five doors and a 258-litre boot. The MX-5 is the better fit for a two-person open-top car, with rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual and 1,119-kg weight.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-80 costs RM296,610 and the Mazda MX-5 costs RM294,154, so the CX-80 is RM2,456 more expensive. Their annual road-tax bills differ more sharply: RM830 for the CX-80 versus RM379 for the MX-5.
Which Mazda can run on electric power?
Only the CX-80 can. Its plug-in hybrid system includes a 17.8-kWh battery and one 172-hp, 270-Nm motor, with a quoted EV range of 65 km. The MX-5 is petrol-powered and has no electric motor or battery.