2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV demeanor with its third-generation design. Its large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights contributed to an imposing front end, while well-defined lines along the body added a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling felt more like an evolution than a revolution, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights enhancing its appeal. The model was available in both standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the cost of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance variant stood out with increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements, including matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's interior was a mix of top-notch materials and a somewhat discordant design, with a focus on piling on details for a distinctive look. Leather seating was standard, and the SQ5 offered sportier front seats with Alcantara trim, though some design choices, like the piano-black plastic around the cupholders, were less practical.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered an attractive choice in the compact SUV class, borrowing styling elements from the CX-5 but enhancing them with distinct fender flares and a wider grille for a sportier stance. Its interior featured a traditional layout with classier materials than many rivals, offering soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. Distinct stitching and red leather upholstery in the hybrid model added flair, though the decorative stripe running down the seats was a point of contention for some. Despite this, the CX-50 positioned itself above other compact SUVs, leaning toward entry-level luxury in design and interior quality.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The base model's output was competitive within its class, offering more torque than the Acura RDX and slightly more horsepower than the BMW X3 30 xDrive. The SQ5, while less powerful than the BMW X3 M50 xDrive, nearly matched the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 in output, with a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds for the SQ5 and 5.8 seconds for the standard Q5. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the expected sporty feel. The Q5's suspension, featuring steel springs with passive frequency selective damping, provided capable handling, while the SQ5's air suspension offered sportier tuning. Despite this, neither model encouraged aggressive driving, with precise but lifeless steering. Off-road modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid introduced a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive. This powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, provided a smart choice given Toyota's expertise in hybrids. The CX-50 Hybrid filled the gap between the 187hp base engine and the 256hp Turbo models. Acceleration was similar to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an expected 0-60 mph time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The throttle response was quick, aided by the electric motors, and the new electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) aimed to replicate a conventional automatic transmission feel. The CX-50 excelled in driving dynamics, offering sportier suspension tuning for engaging handling and minimal body roll. While the firmer ride quality resulted in more noticeable bumps, it remained smooth enough for most passengers, with a quiet cabin on the highway.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The standard sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat added versatility, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The 2025 model gained additional cargo space, with 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row, surpassing the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC but falling short of the Acura RDX and BMW X3. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with higher trims offering additional features like a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, exceeding the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic and Lexus NX.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50, while enjoyable to drive, fell short in practicality and space compared to competitors. The front seats offered ample room, but the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers than the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, with a moderately sized armrest bin, cupholders, and door pockets, but rivals offered more storage options. The CX-50's cargo capacity was 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, less than the non-hybrid CX-50 and significantly below the class average. Despite this, the space was usable for day-to-day needs, aided by a standard power liftgate, a large storage bin under the cargo floor, and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases and shopping bag hooks.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen as standard, with the Prestige trim adding a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models included four USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a curved display easily accessible from the driver's seat. A built-in voice assistant handled some vehicle functions, while an available head-up display provided essential information. The Q5 also introduced Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light, a light bar offering additional cues to the driver. Secondary tech features included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50's technology may have seemed dated, but it offered a practical setup for some users. The 10.25-inch horizontal infotainment system was mounted atop the dashboard, controlled by a center console dial rather than a touchscreen. Touchscreen functionality was limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dial controller, reminiscent of early infotainment systems, allowed users to navigate without focusing on small on-screen buttons. All models included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Premium trim adding a wireless charging pad. Base trims featured an eight-speaker audio system, while the Premium trim offered a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used interior ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. IIHS ratings were pending, but the non-hybrid 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard driver assistance features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Secondary features included a rear passenger reminder, driver attention monitor, and safe exit alerts. The adaptive cruise control was noted for its smooth operation.