Verdict
These are radically different answers to a RM290k budget. The Mazda MX-5 costs RM5,154 more at RM294,154, but its 1,119 kg kerb weight, 181 hp, six-speed manual and 220 km/h top speed make it the driver’s choice. The Toyota Harrier is 576 kg heavier yet brings five seats, a 396-litre boot and a 2,690 mm wheelbase against the Mazda’s 130 litres and 2,310 mm. For Malaysian daily use, the Harrier’s hybrid assistance, adaptive cruise control and rear-seat practicality carry far more weight than the MX-5’s open-top appeal.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a 1,119 kg rear-wheel-drive convertible with a six-speed manual, 181 hp and a 220 km/h top speed.
Pick the Toyota Harrier if you need five seats, a 396-litre boot, hybrid assistance and adaptive cruise control for daily family duty.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; Toyota Harrier RM289,000.
- Performance: Mazda MX-5 181 hp, 205 Nm and 220 km/h; Toyota Harrier 175 hp, 221 Nm and 180 km/h.
- Weight: Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg; Toyota Harrier 1,695 kg.
- Practicality: Mazda MX-5 has 2 seats and a 130-litre boot; Toyota Harrier has 5 seats and a 396-litre boot.
- Dimensions: Mazda MX-5 wheelbase 2,310 mm and length 3,915 mm; Toyota Harrier wheelbase 2,690 mm and length 4,740 mm.
- Road tax: Mazda MX-5 RM379 a year; Toyota Harrier RM830 a year.
MX-5
- 181 hp, 1,119 kg and rear-wheel drive.
- Six-speed manual with LSD.
- Power-folding retractable hard-top and nine-speaker Bose audio.
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot versus five seats and 396 litres.
- Passive cruise control and lane-keeping warning only, against adaptive cruise and steering correction.
- No front parking sensors or 360-degree camera.
Harrier
- Five seats, 396-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Hybrid assistance with one 118 hp, 202 Nm motor.
- Adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors.
- 1,695 kg is 576 kg heavier than the MX-5.
- 180 km/h top speed trails the MX-5’s 220 km/h.
- RM830 annual road tax is RM451 higher.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154 | RM289,000✓ |
| Body type | Convertible | SUV |
| Segment | Sports Car | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with dual variable valve timing and hybrid assistance (VVT-iE on intake, VVT-i on exhaust) |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp✓ | 175 hp |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 221 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 14 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 118 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 202 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 220 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 4,740 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | 1,695 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 5 |
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 396 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 225/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Bridgestone Alenza H/L 33 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Braking |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | 12-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Power Adjustable 4-way Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest, Manual Recline |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | Full-sized Moonroof with Electrochromic Function |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights, Cupholder Lights and Footwell Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 8" Display Audio with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Six speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and 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 with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered with Kick Sensor |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Front and Rear Digital Video Recorder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Hybrid Battery, Inverter and PCU |
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 MX-5 & Harrier for sale
MX-5 vs Harrier FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota Harrier better?
The Harrier is better for most Malaysian buyers because it has five seats, a 396-litre boot, adaptive cruise control and hybrid assistance. The MX-5 is better only when a lightweight rear-wheel-drive manual convertible is the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 costs RM294,154 and the Toyota Harrier costs RM289,000, so the MX-5 is RM5,154 more expensive.
Which has lower running commitments?
The MX-5 has lower annual road tax at RM379 versus the Harrier’s RM830. The Harrier counters with a five-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year unlimited-mileage warranty for its hybrid battery, inverter and PCU.