2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing front-end look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling felt more like an evolution than a complete redesign. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with advanced lighting options like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights. The model was available in both standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the cost of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance variant stood out with increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements. Inside, the Q5's interior was detailed and luxurious, with high-quality materials and standard leather seating surfaces. However, the design was somewhat discordant, and the SQ5's seats lacked adequate bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was lauded for its attractive design, characterized by graceful curves that set it apart from its competitors. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, the CX-5's styling remained impressive, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior featured high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional analog controls with modern digital elements. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, the physical buttons and knobs enhanced usability. The CX-5's interior was covered in soft-touch materials, with sturdy plastic elements strategically placed. It offered a refined feel comparable to last-generation Acura or Lexus models, making it stand out among similarly priced crossovers.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 variant boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's performance was competitive, with slightly less horsepower than the Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 in output, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the sporty feel. The Q5's suspension offered capable handling, with air suspension available on higher trims. While it provided a balanced ride, it didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 also featured Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes, enhancing its versatility on dirt roads.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version 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 provided adequate power, while the turbocharged model delivered quicker acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about six seconds. The CX-5 excelled in handling, offering sporty driving dynamics with minimal body roll. Its suspension provided a firm ride, but it remained comfortable for most passengers. The cabin was quiet, effectively filtering out wind and road noise, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to its predecessor. It offered adequate headroom and legroom in both rows, with a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some rivals like the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, making it a practical choice for towing needs.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior impressed with its design and refinement, though it fell short in practicality compared to some rivals. It offered sufficient headroom in the back seats, but competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage provided more space. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom, surpassing the RAV4 but trailing behind the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Cargo space measured 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the cargo area was wide and flat, it couldn't match the capacity of the CR-V and Sportage. The CX-5 featured a power liftgate on most trims and offered convenient storage solutions for smaller items.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an advanced infotainment setup with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen. The top Prestige trim added a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on Premium Plus models. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered a user-friendly interface. A built-in voice assistant handled some vehicle functions, while an available head-up display provided essential information. The Q5 also introduced Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light, a light bar offering additional cues to the driver.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash. While smaller than some competitors' screens, its placement minimized distraction. The system was controlled via a dial on the center console, offering intuitive operation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless integration on midrange trims. The CX-5 featured analog gauges, but higher trims included a head-up display for essential information. The base trim had a four-speaker audio system, while the top Signature model offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned high safety ratings, receiving five stars from the NHTSA in most evaluations and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2023 model. Standard safety features included 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 system, and traffic jam assist. The top Turbo Signature trim included a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly, with no false alarms or technical issues during testing.