2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the Mazda CX-5, featuring a design that was both wider and longer, with a lower stance. Its broad-shouldered proportions were accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents, giving it a fresh look compared to the older CX-5. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a variety of wheel sizes and styling options, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its all-terrain tires and distinctive design elements. The interior was well-crafted, with a pleasing design and quality materials, though it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations, offering standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats in base models.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired appearance, with only minor styling updates in its mid-cycle refresh. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and digital camouflage-patterned cladding, along with exclusive color options. The Ioniq 5's interior remained minimalistic and modern, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The cabin offered generous head and legroom, and the cargo space was competitive, though not class-leading. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) was a significant update, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing the Ioniq 5's practicality for long-distance travel.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offering Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, with a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's driving experience was more aligned with its segment peers, lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for on-road driving.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button for easy access to Snow, Mud, and Sand driving modes, adjusting throttle mapping and power distribution. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with regenerative braking reducing the need for traditional braking. The Ioniq 5 offered various powertrain options, with RWD models producing up to 225 hp and AWD models delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The AWD-only XRT had a range of 259 miles, while other trims offered up to 318 miles in RWD configuration. The Ioniq 5's instant torque provided a fun driving experience despite its weight.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It had 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While it trailed competitors in cargo space, the available power liftgate improved access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space, though the Meridian Edition lacked more durable materials for its rugged image.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper and revising the center console. It offered standard heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat across all trims. The interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous head and legroom. Cargo space was 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 58.5 cubic feet with them folded, plus a small frunk. The Ioniq 5's transition to NACS allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing its charging capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Higher trims offered wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a Bose audio system. The system's interface was dated but straightforward, appealing to those who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens, with improved processing speeds and GPS accuracy. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the XRT trim gained the Bose Premium Audio system. All trims included navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. The Limited trim offered a head-up display, and the SEL trim introduced a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It lacked complete NHTSA ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS and received a five-star NHTSA rating. New safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The XRT trim added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with the latter offering lane-changing capability.