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Mazda CX-5 vs SEAT Leon comparison

Compare performance (141 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 24,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or SEAT Leon?

Mazda CX-5 vs SEAT Leon: Key differences

Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

CX-5

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

SEAT Leon is markedly cheaper – starting at 24,800 £ , while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,186 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the SEAT Leon uses 1.2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 5.8 L/100km.

Leon

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the SEAT Leon offers clearly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 131 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Leon is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.7 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.5 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the SEAT Leon delivers visibly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 122 Nm more.

CX-5

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, SEAT Leon is noticeably lighter – 1,344 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 285 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers somewhat more boot space – 466 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 86 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries moderately more – 601 kg compared to 521 kg. That’s a difference of about 80 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The SEAT Leon is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £24,800
Leon

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 133 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 blends sporty handling with a refined, premium interior, making everyday driving feel engaging and comfortable. It pairs stylish design and thoughtful cabin materials with user-friendly tech to deliver a well-rounded compact SUV that suits drivers who want more driver involvement without sacrificing practicality.

details
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2022_mazda_cx-5_homura_hr_act_28
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Reviews Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
Bengt
25 Jan 2026, 14:05:09

I've owned several Volvos, but I drive a Mazda now and would never switch back.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

details
Small-33980-LeonSEDynamic-MysteryBlue
Small-33989-LeonSEDynamic-MysteryBlue
ipp-all-new-seat-leon-114-hq
Small-35510-SEATLeonkeepsWhatCarAwardinthefamily

Reviews SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
FaBio
4 Jan 2026, 21:30:20

Mechanically the car is fairly well built, apart from the rear axle.
The air conditioning is effective and visibility is good, while the FR setup paired with the 18" wheels, in my view, hurts comfort — getting in and out can be awkward. Once on board, though, the seats are very comfortable. The infotainment is comprehensive, with a generously sized screen and full-link smartphone connectivity; the factory sat-nav does what it can, but obviously Maps is superior in every way.
All in all, a fun/sporty car that also winks at family life thanks to a roomy boot and modest fuel consumption.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Price
24,800 - 36,800 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
133 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 169 g/km
co2
28 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Curb weight
1,344 - 1,657 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,799 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
566 - 601 kg
Payload
473 - 521 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
SEAT
Is the Mazda CX-5 offered with different drivetrains?

The Mazda CX-5 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.