Nissan Ariya vs Mazda CX-5 2.5: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the Nissan Ariya and the Mazda CX-5 2.5 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	Nissan Ariya	Mazda CX-5 2.5
Purchase Price	R1,200,000	R750,000
5-Year Fuel Cost	R64,623	R131,100
5-Year Maintenance	R15,000	R40,000
Total Cost of Ownership	R1,279,623	R921,100
Winner	Petrol wins by R358,523!

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the Nissan Ariya costs R1,200,000 upfront compared to the Mazda CX-5 2.5’s R750,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

Nissan Ariya electricity cost: R12,925/year = R64,623 over 5 years
Mazda CX-5 2.5 petrol cost: R26,220/year = R131,100 over 5 years
Fuel savings with EV: R66,477 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

Nissan Ariya: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
Mazda CX-5 2.5: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the Nissan Ariya?

The Nissan Ariya is perfect for you if:

💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R-5,975 per month on running costs
🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R1,077/month
🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 520km range on a single charge
🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Mazda CX-5 2.5?

The Mazda CX-5 2.5 makes sense if:

💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R450,000 cheaper to purchase
⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 2.5L engine provides proven capability
📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the Nissan Ariya if you:

✅ Drive less than 520km per day on average
✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
✅ Want to save R-5,975 per month on running costs
✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Mazda CX-5 2.5 if you:

✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
✅ Drive more than 520km daily
✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

Total savings with Nissan Ariya: R-358,523
Monthly savings: R-5,975
Cost per kilometer – Nissan Ariya: R17.06
Cost per kilometer – Mazda CX-5 2.5: R12.28

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the Nissan Ariya over the Mazda CX-5 2.5, you’ll prevent approximately 13,167kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

It’s Close: Consider Your Priorities

The cost difference is relatively small – just R-358,523 over 5 years (R-5,975/month). Your decision should be based on lifestyle factors:

Choose the Nissan Ariya if environmental impact and modern technology matter to you
Choose the Mazda CX-5 2.5 if maximum flexibility and lower upfront cost are priorities

Both are solid choices at this price point.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025