2024 BMW X5 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with various trim packages and equipment options available. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint, 21-inch wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display, enhancing the interior's modernity while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, was a fresher design, being lower, wider, and longer than its sibling. It featured broad-shouldered proportions, square wheel arches, and fake air vents, emphasizing its rugged look. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a range of wheel sizes and styling options. The test car, a 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, enhanced its active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior boasted an earthy color palette, with Polymetal Gray Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint and Terracotta leather upholstery. The infotainment screen, reminiscent of BMW's design, and the impressive material quality and fit and finish were notable for a non-luxury brand. However, the CX-50's aspirations to be more upscale were still a work in progress, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It boasted a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel efficiency of 22 mpg. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It delivered an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during a 95.5-mile evaluation drive, showcasing its efficiency and performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's driving experience differed from the CX-5, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 was well-mannered, making it a suitable choice for those not seeking a sporty drive.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people and a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and other comfort features. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall experience. However, the X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While trailing competitors in cargo space, the CX-50 had a power liftgate for easier access. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, despite the substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console. The Meridian Edition's rugged looks were not matched by interior functionality, and the cargo area was not ideal for dirty or bulky items. However, the CX-50's interior was suitable for buyers with less-active lifestyles.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Running BMW Operating System 8.5, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and over-the-air software updates. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Personal Assistant, although its performance was inconsistent. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, but the Intelligent Personal Assistant's inaccuracies were a drawback, especially with reduced physical controls in the cabin.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without distraction. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It performed well in dense or light traffic but could behave unexpectedly in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, although the system occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, encouraging their use. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA awarded the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it scored lower in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test, and standard headlights were rated "Average." The NHTSA provided a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but other ratings were unavailable. The CX-50 offered standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.