2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had been well-received since the second-generation model's debut in 2017. Despite minor updates, the CX-5 continued to exude a modern and appealing aesthetic, reflecting traditional Mazda styling cues. The new Carbon Turbo trim, introduced for 2024, featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, enhancing its visual appeal. Mazda also introduced improvements such as better fuel economy for the base engine, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims, maintaining the CX-5's reputation as an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive appearance, drawing retro comparisons to the Lancia Delta while standing out on the road. The mid-cycle refresh brought subtle changes to the lower front fascia, but the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler remained. The new XRT trim featured unique design elements like red tow hooks and digital camouflage-patterned cladding, along with exclusive colors. The interior saw minor updates, retaining its minimalistic and modern feel, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The Ioniq 5 continued to offer a spacious and uncluttered cabin, appealing to those seeking a futuristic and stylish electric vehicle.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to shine. However, its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined and observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's tall and narrow feel provided excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver. Mazda's suspension retuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling and ride quality, offering a sophisticated driving experience. The CX-5 could tow up to 2,000 pounds and tackled off-road trails with its 7.9 inches of ground clearance.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button for Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes, adjusting throttle mapping, wheel slip, and power distribution. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with regenerative braking minimizing the need for traditional braking. The Ioniq 5 offered AWD in the XRT trim, while other trims had RWD with optional AWD. The 2025 model saw increased battery capacity, providing up to 318 miles of range in RWD configuration. Power output varied, with RWD models producing up to 225 hp and AWD models delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 5's instant torque ensured an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered standard heated front seats, with redesigned seats providing comfort and support. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with Nappa leather exclusive to the Turbo Signature. The interior, though smaller than some competitors, was comfortable for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful features like rear air vents and a center armrest. The cabin's design and quality elevated it above many mass-market rivals, with 30 cubic feet of cargo space expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper and revising the center console. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, offering generous head and legroom. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down, plus an additional .85 cubic feet in the frunk. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing its practicality for electric vehicle owners.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated via a center console knob, with quick access buttons for essential functions. Mazda Connected Services offered features like remote engine start and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Carbon Turbo trim included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium feel.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, and the XRT trim gained access to the Bose Premium Audio system. All trims featured standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. The Limited trim offered a head-up display, while the SEL trim introduced a wireless charging pad. Hyundai's USB feature allowed customization of the central USB-C port for charging or data transmission.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with essential ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety upgrades like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it did not earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2024.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its high safety standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. New safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The Ioniq 5 offered Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2, with the latter providing lane-changing capability and machine learning for improved driving assistance.