2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, which gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the CX-5 had its drawbacks, including a small back seat, limited cargo space, and a frustrating infotainment system. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of its G37 models. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $41,655, depending on the trim and options.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained its appeal with a well-aged design, although the M Sport treatment was not universally liked. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder, a turbo-six PHEV, and a turbocharged V8. The xDrive50e PHEV model, which we tested, featured a new electric motor and a more energy-dense battery, providing 38 miles of electric-only range. The X5's interior received a modern update with the BMW Curved Display and reduced physical controls. The test vehicle, priced at $88,075, included nearly all available options, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided a rewarding driving experience, with a slight delay before acceleration kicked in. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The AWD system was standard, and the CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, offering a firm and communicative ride.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new electric motor and a 19.2 kWh battery, providing 38 miles of electric range. The combined power output was 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV's adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, and the 21-inch wheels provided a connected ride. The X5 excelled in various driving conditions, including a spirited run on Mulholland Highway, where it demonstrated excellent acceleration, grip, and steering. The PHEV also achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 38.8 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's interior updates in 2022 improved front seat comfort and support. The Signature trim offered luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and a range of features, including power-adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control. However, the CX-5's technology, storage, and rear-seat space were lacking. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five passengers and a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather, sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which added multi-contour front seats, four-zone climate control, and heated features. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced rear-seat comfort.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display but was criticized for its lack of a voice recognition system and awkward physical controls. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting to use. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 BMW X5's BMW Curved Display combined a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running iDrive 8.5. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, leading to incorrect directions. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were highlights, but the reduction in physical controls was less favorable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense suite of driver assistance technologies, with most features standard except for a few exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature. The system operated smoothly and included an Active Driving Display. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the lack of a warning for driving without headlights at night was a concern.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which worked well in specific conditions but had some issues in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, but the system occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.