2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet significant exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. These changes aimed to enhance visibility and modernize the vehicle's appearance. The top-tier Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's ambition to position itself as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating experience. However, the introduction of a new, more complex trim lineup replaced the long-standing structure, offering choices between the CX-5 2.5 S and the turbocharged 2.5 Turbo, each with various sub-trims.

The 2023 Audi Q5 maintained its classy and sporty exterior styling, characterized by subtle curves and angular accents. Available in both the regular SUV and the sleeker Sportback body styles, the Q5's design included a spoiler-like element that enhanced its rear profile. Inside, the Q5's refined and straightforward layout showed signs of aging since its last redesign in 2018. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while not as large as some competitors, provided good material quality. The Q5's build quality was robust, offering a quiet and composed ride, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All-wheel drive was standard across all models, and the EPA rated this powertrain at 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant, running on premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, with slightly reduced figures on regular gas. The Turbo model also included the revised transmission and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The introduction of Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) provided Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, further improving the driving experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, available exclusively with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offering an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5 models came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery due to the transmission, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The Q5 provided a quiet cabin, meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new furnishings, offering a more comfortable and supportive driving position. Most models, except the base trim, included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a rarity among competitors. The 2.5 Turbo test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to impress with its timeless appeal. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons controlled climate settings. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers, with the Sportback model sacrificing only a quarter-inch of headroom. Front passengers had several storage options, though some were oddly shaped. A wireless phone charger was available on a sliding tray, and the door pockets accommodated larger drink bottles. Cargo space was 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback, with competitors offering varying capacities.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, lacking touch sensitivity and natural voice recognition. Instead, users relied on center console and steering wheel controls. While acclimating to this system was possible, it lagged behind competitors offering touchscreens and advanced voice recognition. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services. A three-year trial subscription to connected services was included, excluding WiFi, which was free for three months. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was standard, offering satisfactory audio quality.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Audi's native infotainment system had large, easy-to-read on-screen buttons, but Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Audi Connect Care service was included for a limited time, with a Wi-Fi hotspot available. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel for additional information.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 prioritized safety with its robust structural engineering and standard i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5's i-Activsense system operated mostly in the background, with customizable alerts. The head-up display integrated blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals matched.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded the Q5 its highest "Good" rating in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. The Premium Plus trim added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, a semi-automated parking system, and a traffic sign reader. Rear-seat side impact airbags were optional on all trims.