2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

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 options available. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle 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, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often regarded as one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with its graceful curves and timeless design, despite not being redesigned since 2017. Its interior featured nicer-than-average materials and a layout that balanced traditional and modern elements, with physical buttons and knobs instead of a massive touchscreen. While lacking some high-tech rivals' wow factor, the CX-5's usability was appreciated. The interior boasted soft-touch materials and high-quality plastics, comparable to last-generation Acura or Lexus interiors, making it feel more special than similarly priced crossovers. The CX-5's design and refinement were praised, although it fell short in practicality and space compared to some competitors.

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. The battery's maximum AC charging rate was doubled 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 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its performance, with a recommendation for a Level 2 home charging station. The adaptive damping air suspension and 21-inch wheels provided a comfortable ride, while the quick steering and excellent visibility made it enjoyable to drive. The X5 excelled in various driving conditions, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during evaluation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a Turbo model with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine accelerated to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the Turbo model achieved it two seconds faster. The Turbo engine provided more confident and effortless acceleration. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics, aided by AWD and a well-tuned suspension, made it capable on winding roads, instilling confidence in evasive maneuvers. The ride quality was slightly firmer, but not harsh, and the quiet cabin reduced fatigue on long journeys.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area provided 33.1 cubic feet of space, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which felt like genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, providing a great view, and side window sunshades were available for added comfort.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, but it lacked some practicality and space compared to rivals. Rear headroom was sufficient for adults, but competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered more. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom compared to the RAV4, but the Honda CR-V and Sportage provided more space. The cargo area offered 30.8 cubic feet of space, expandable to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CR-V and Sportage had larger cargo capacities. The CX-5 featured moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep center armrest bin for smaller items. Midlevel trims added a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, had issues with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful. The Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash, controlled via a dial on the center console. The dial allowed for easy navigation through logical menus, minimizing distraction. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial, with wireless integration available in midrange trims. The analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard in higher trims. The base trim featured a four-speaker audio system, while the top Signature model had a 10-speaker Bose system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required 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 there were instances of errant braking. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave it an overall crash-test rating of four stars.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The 2024 model received the IIHS' highest score of "Good" and a Top Safety Pick rating. All trims came with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Turbo Signature trim included a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking. The safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms.