2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation model, featuring a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights that gave it an imposing front-end look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding 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. The model was available in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade added more power and sport suspension, along with distinctive design elements like matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's interior was detailed and distinctive, with top-notch materials, although the design was somewhat discordant. The SQ5 offered a sportier interior option, but some design choices, like the piano-black plastic, were less practical.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—boasted a luxurious appearance with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to a low, athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, offering an upscale feel despite some materials reflecting its competitive price. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model 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 Q5's power output was competitive, offering slightly less horsepower than the Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 in output, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the sporty feel. The air suspension provided capable handling, balancing damping and body control, but didn't encourage aggressive driving. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an option for 340 hp using premium gas. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but drivetrain noise and impact harshness detracted from the experience. Despite these issues, the CX-90 offered a dynamic driving experience, particularly in Normal mode.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity of 4,400 pounds was competitive, surpassing some rivals.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its upscale materials, struggled with climate control efficiency. The three-zone climate system took time to cool the cabin, and front-seat ventilation was similarly ineffective. The CX-90 offered Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. However, the long rear doors could pose challenges in tight spaces. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Cargo space was practical, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added 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 built-in voice assistant for some functions. The digital instrument cluster had less functionality than previous versions, but an available head-up display provided useful information. Additional tech features included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with a traditional gauge cluster and display. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was less effective, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered a comprehensive suite of 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 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-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, but had some limitations in certain conditions. Despite some irritations, the CX-90's driver aids were effective, with the blind-spot monitoring system offering an extra layer of safety.