2025 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Mazda CX-5

The Ford Expedition isn’t for everyone, but for shoppers who need a combination of interior space and powerful towing capability, it’s one of only a few quality options on the current market. All-new for the 2025 model year, the Expedition retains subdued styling on the outside, but its tech-forward interior looks impressively futuristic. The addition of the new-for-2025 Ford Expedition Tremor means that the Expedition is now prepared to travel further off-road than any before.

Verdict: The Tremor is undeniably cool, and for such a large vehicle, the Expedition is surprisingly easy to drive in everyday circumstances. With a starting price just shy of $64,000 (or nearly $67K for a Ford Expedition MAX), there’s no disputing that Ford’s selling an expensive vehicle. However, both the Expedition and Expedition MAX offer a ton of standard equipment, and given their capability, both are priced in line with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban.

Mazda's compact SUV gets its first full redesign in nearly a decade, and the results are a mixed bag.

The 2026 CX-5 is longer, wider, more spacious, and more technologically advanced than its predecessor, with a striking new exterior, standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across the lineup, and Google built-in as standard—a first in this segment. But the carried-over 187-horsepower engine and six-speed automatic transmission feel like relics from a different era, especially when every key competitor now offers a hybrid option with significantly more power and better fuel economy.

Verdict: The 2026 CX-5 is one of the best-looking and best-equipped compact crossovers you can buy, but its sluggish and thirsty powertrain and odd interior quibbles hold it back from greatness. Buyers who prioritize style, interior quality, and value will love it; those who want efficiency or performance should wait for the hybrid in 2027.