2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented a compelling case for luxury, challenging the traditional dominance of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had elevated its design and material quality, surpassing other Japanese automakers like Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, and edging closer to luxury brands such as Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. The CX-90, with its imposing size and elegant design, drew attention with its large grille, wide-set front end, and substantial wheels. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that could rival luxury competitors, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. Despite offering a range of trims, all CX-90 models benefited from a stylish design and comfortable layout, with the top-tier Turbo S Premium Plus model standing out for its performance and luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was less favored for its station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels and a comprehensive equipment package, with a price tag of $88,075. The X5's interior received a modern update with the BMW Curved Display, reducing physical controls while retaining high-quality materials. Despite some old-school BMW elements, the X5's interior was modernized, aligning with the brand's other models. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, catering to various performance preferences.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and an all-new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S version offered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Turbo S impressed with its exceptional exhaust note and driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, showcasing agility and composure through corners.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. With 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, the xDrive50e accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV's adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, providing a comfortable ride. The X5 excelled in handling, delivering excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response. The PHEV also demonstrated impressive efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during testing.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in lower trims and seven in mid-level trims with captain's chairs. The Turbo S model featured a two-seat third row, with cargo space measuring 75.2 cubic feet in two-seater models and 74.2 cubic feet in three-seater models. The CX-90 provided ample storage options, including a large center console, spacious door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. Despite its comfortable interior and lovely materials, the CX-90's cargo capacity fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered seating for five in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, with optional 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats offering heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof, while the X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 prioritized safety by eliminating distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used hard buttons and a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distraction, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that adjusted settings based on facial recognition, and it came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls for these systems.

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. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and over-the-air software updates. While the interface was intuitive, the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. However, the available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation provided valuable information to the driver.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus featured cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. While the CX-90 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well based on the previous CX-9's ratings.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation. The system worked well in dense or light traffic but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, encouraging their use. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, though lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA awarded the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.