2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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 the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint and every available equipment package, 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-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—offered a range of trim levels from Select to Premium Plus, with pricing from $39,575 to $59,480. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo in Premium Plus trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $51,450. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and design elements contributed to a low, long, athletic look. Inside, the CX-90's interior featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear, creating an upscale feel. However, ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, were noted. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

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. The PHEV's electric motor, integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, and a more energy-dense 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack allowed for 38 miles of electric-only driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV's adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with quick steering and excellent visibility. During testing, it achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg over 95.5 miles, showcasing its efficiency and performance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain was less refined than its design and materials suggested. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with the Turbo S variant offering 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, 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. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though testing showed 21.3 mpg. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but drivetrain refinement issues, such as unpredictable power delivery and unwanted engine surge, detracted from the experience. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension provided a firm, communicative ride, making it a dynamic family hauler.

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, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. Standard sport seats and 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 and side window sunshades enhanced passenger comfort. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite a cool summer, struggled to cool occupants quickly, suggesting the three-zone climate control system was inadequate. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front-seat ventilation was less effective, but once cooled, the seats were comfortable for long trips. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, limited seat-track travel and long rear doors posed challenges for child seat installation and loading. The third row accommodated two adults comfortably with the second-row seat adjusted, but was best suited for children on longer trips. The CX-90's storage options were limited, with a focus on style over practicality. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

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 under a single curved glass. 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 cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Personal Assistant were highlights, though the latter struggled with voice recognition accuracy. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, including advanced driving assistance system status, but the Intelligent Personal Assistant's performance was disappointing, affecting the overall technology experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a center console knob for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle's 12-speaker Bose audio system delivered a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display provided helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system offered visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation through the infotainment screen and steering wheel controls. The system performed well in dense or light traffic but struggled in moderate traffic with frequent lane changes. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though occasional errant braking episodes occurred. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize, three-row SUVs to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it struggled with speed adjustments and lane markings in certain conditions. Despite some irritations, the CX-90's driver aids met expectations, with effective lane-keeping technologies and a communicative blind-spot monitoring system.