2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Audi Q5

Mazda executed the concept of premium exceptionally well with the 2020 CX-5. The automaker's commitment to building better cars was evident through captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement. This model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance. Modifications were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, and the turbocharged engine received an increase in torque output. The CX-5's design, both exterior and interior, was appealing, distinctive, and upscale, especially in the Signature trim with premium Nappa leather upholstery and real wood accents.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character. The Q5 had an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold, large taillights. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The material selection was high-quality, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was perfectly positioned. The second row was also nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine, though powerful, was less efficient, rated at 24 mpg combined. The CX-5 Signature was engaging to drive, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, but excessive body motions during aggressive driving detracted from the overall experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the standard Q5 and made it better by adding an electric motor to the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This setup produced a combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes to optimize battery usage and fuel consumption.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and reflected good taste, but it was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's upscale cabin and generous list of standard equipment aimed to offset this drawback. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and more. The front seats were comfortable, though small, and rear passengers might find legroom lacking. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and ample headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured several storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which included a 7-inch touchscreen display in the Sport trim and an 8-inch touchscreen in the Grand Touring trim. The system offered Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, integrated internet radio apps, and E911 emergency notification. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added in the Touring trim. The Signature trim featured a navigation system, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription. However, the system could be frustrating to use, with awkwardly placed controls and unreliable voice-recognition technology.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was easy to use and master. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense banner. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, making it a very safe choice.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in every category except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.