2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which stood out in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and lack of sharp angles gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of an entry-level luxury SUV. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, the CX-5's design remained timeless and appealing. Inside, the CX-5 offered a refined interior with high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional analog controls with modern usability. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs were appreciated for their ease of use, making the driving experience more intuitive.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada presented a bold and commanding presence with its high beltline and imposing grille, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The Armada's design updates included new C-shaped LED lighting and a more business-like side profile, with distinctive accents and rugged features on the PRO-4X trim. Inside, the Armada offered a luxurious cabin, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim, with premium materials and comfortable seating. The interior was spacious, with options for captain's chairs or a bench seat in the second row, and the third row provided ample legroom. The Armada's cargo space was generous, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate power, accelerating to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model was quicker, reaching 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds. The CX-5 was known for its sporty handling, with a firm suspension that minimized body roll and provided a confident driving experience, although it resulted in a slightly firmer ride.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R, producing 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or Nissan’s Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive available on most trims. The PRO-4X trim was equipped with off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive electronic air suspension, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Armada's towing capacity reached up to 8,500 pounds, and it offered a smooth on-road driving experience with its updated electric power steering and adaptive air suspension, providing comfort and control both on and off the road.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was praised for its design and refinement, though it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. While it offered sufficient headroom and rear legroom, competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage provided more space for passengers. The CX-5's cargo capacity was 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, but it was less than what the CR-V and Sportage offered. The interior featured moderately sized storage options and a wireless charging pad on midlevel trims, though the hard plastic surface allowed phones to slide around.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's interior was spacious, with comfortable "Zero Gravity" seats and various seating configurations, including captain's chairs or a bench seat in the second row. The third row offered power one-touch folding and increased cargo space, with a total of 97.1 cubic feet available. The Armada's headroom and legroom were generous, though it fell short compared to some American rivals. The interior was well-appointed, with premium materials and thoughtful design elements enhancing the overall experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, controlled via a center console dial. While smaller than some competitors' screens, its placement allowed for easy viewing and minimal distraction. The system was intuitive, with logical menus and the ability to control Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the touchscreen or dial. The Premium Plus trim offered wireless phone integration and a head-up display, while the top Signature model featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured two large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports, and Google Built-In on the SL trim and above. A head-up display was optional, and the SL trim introduced a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System. The Armada's infotainment setup was user-friendly, with clear visibility and the ability to manage multiple functions simultaneously, providing a seamless and enjoyable tech experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most evaluations and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2024 model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly, providing reliable protection and assistance.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance. Higher trims featured ProPILOT Assist 1.1 and 2.1, with advanced speed management and hands-free highway-driving assist. The Armada also included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. A surround-view camera and Nissan’s 3D Around View Monitor were available on higher trims, enhancing safety and driver confidence.