On September 23, 2023, MG officially introduced the new RX5 model in the Vietnamese market. Positioned in the C-segment SUV, this model has 2 versions: 1.5T STD and 1.5T LUX with corresponding prices of 739 million and 829 million VND.
Contrary to the initial rumors, the MG RX5 is priced much higher. In particular, the MG RX5 1.5T LUX is priced the same as the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium model. This has caused many people to compare the two models.
To help you visualize better, in this article, we will compare the MG RX5 1.5T LUX and Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium in terms of equipment. Through this, you will be able to make a more informed decision when buying a car.
Comparison of MG RX5 1.5T LUX and Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium in terms of exterior equipment
Before we talk about safety equipment, let’s compare the size of these 2 models. The MG RX5 1.5T LUX has dimensions of 4,574 x 1,876 x 1,690 mm and a wheelbase of 2,708 mm. In contrast, the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium has dimensions of 4,590 x 1,845 x 1,680 mm and a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. So, the difference in size between these two models is negligible.
However, the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium has a smaller minimum turning radius, only 5.5 m, so it will be more maneuverable in urban areas. Even the ground clearance of the Japanese model is slightly higher, reaching 200 mm.
Next are the similar exterior features of these 2 models. Both come equipped with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, power-foldable side mirrors, panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, and hands-free power liftgate.
In addition, the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium features headlights with auto-leveling, adaptive front lighting system, and automatic high beam control, as well as automatic rain-sensing wipers. So in terms of exterior equipment, the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium has a slight advantage over its Chinese competitor. Not to mention the fact that this Japanese model has a much more appealing exterior design to many Vietnamese people.
Comparison of MG RX5 1.5T LUX and Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium in terms of interior equipment
Inside both of these C-segment SUVs are 2-row seating with 5 seats. Similar to the exterior, the interior of the MG RX5 1.5T LUX and Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium also share many similar features such as leather seats/steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, keyless entry and push-button start.
However, compared to the Japanese rival, the MG RX5 1.5T LUX has more impressive features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a vertically-oriented 14.1-inch touchscreen center display, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and wireless phone charging. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium only uses an analog instrument cluster with a 7-inch multi-information display and an 8-inch touchscreen center display.
For those who prefer an interior with large screens that give a high-tech feel, they can choose the MG RX5 1.5T LUX. However, when it comes to overall convenience features, the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium still comes out on top.
Comparison of MG RX5 1.5T LUX and Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium in terms of safety equipment
In terms of exterior and interior features, the MG RX5 1.5T LUX is not far behind the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium. However, when it comes to safety features, the Chinese model has a significant disadvantage.
Although it is priced at over 800 million VND, the MG RX5 1.5T LUX does not have any advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Instead, it only has 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, front/rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), electronic stability control, roll-over mitigation, hill start assist and hill descent control.
Most of the aforementioned safety features of the MG RX5 1.5T LUX are also equipped in the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium. In addition, the Japanese model also has blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, smart brake support, front/rear pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features will provide a sense of peace of mind and more value for the money to buyers of the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium.
Comparison of MG RX5 1.5T LUX and Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium in terms of engine
Under the hood of the MG RX5 1.5T LUX is a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 168 hp at 2,000 – 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 275 Nm at 2,000 – 4,000 rpm. This engine is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Compared to the MG RX5 1.5T LUX, the engine of the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium is less powerful. Specifically, the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium uses a 2.0L Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum power of 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
In other words, the MG RX5 1.5T LUX has an advantage in terms of engine power. Although the engine of the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Premium is weaker, it is a Japanese engine, so it is not surprising that many people still choose it with confidence.
In conclusion, with the pricing of the high-end RX5 being on par with the Mazda CX-5 – the best-selling model in the C-segment SUV segment in Vietnam, MG is clearly making things difficult for itself. Faced with a model with strengths in terms of design, equipment, brand, dealer network, and high liquidity like the Mazda CX-5, MG will likely need significant discounts and offers to convince Vietnamese consumers.
