2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. With trim levels ranging from Select to Premium Plus, the pricing spanned from $39,575 to $59,480. Our test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, had an MSRP of $51,450. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic design contributed to a sophisticated look. Inside, the CX-90 featured an upscale interior with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and non-touchscreen infotainment, were noted, but overall, the CX-90 exuded sophistication.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive appearance, drawing retro comparisons to the Lancia Delta. The mid-cycle refresh included mild revisions to the front fascia while retaining the "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding, featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were available for the XRT, while other trims saw an expanded color palette. New wheel designs were introduced, with 19-inch wheels standard on SE and SEL trims, and 20-inch wheels on the Limited. The XRT's 18-inch wheels referenced rally style. Inside, the Ioniq 5's interior remained minimalistic and modern, with minor changes to the center console for functionality. The XRT trim featured a dark interior with all-weather floor mats and the XRT logo debossed in the seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's drivetrain, particularly the 3.3 Turbo, fell short of expectations despite its impressive design. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models, while the Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but noise and impact harshness detracted from the experience. The vehicle's suspension was firm and communicative, but the 21-inch wheels contributed to a less compliant ride.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT featured a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand modes for off-road adventures. The XRT handled loose sand admirably, with regenerative braking eliminating the need for hill-descent control. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, providing longer ranges: 318 miles for RWD models and 259 miles for the AWD-only XRT. Power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing 168 to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The Ioniq 5's instant torque made for an enjoyable driving experience, despite its weight. The XRT was offered only in AWD, while other trims could be upgraded to AWD. The Ioniq 5's performance was well-suited for both off-road and on-road driving, with a focus on versatility and fun.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its elegant design, had issues with climate control. The three-zone system struggled to cool the cabin quickly, raising concerns for hotter climates. The Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, front-seat ventilation was ineffective. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with adjustable armrests and window shades. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. The CX-90's storage options were limited, with a lack of practicality in the center console. Cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel available on the SEL trim. The Limited trim offered front seat ventilation and driver's seat memory. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous legroom and cargo space. The Ioniq 5's headroom was comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, while cargo space exceeded that of the Genesis GV60. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, with a Combined Charging System (CCS) adapter included for public and fast charging.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, which provided helpful data and blind-spot alerts.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its pair of 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing smartphone connectivity. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT and Limited trims, while SE and SEL trims had a six-speaker system. Standard features included navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity for two devices. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display on the Limited trim and a wireless charging pad starting at the SEL trim level. The USB-C ports included a clever feature allowing users to choose between charging only or charging and data transmitting.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was highly regarded for its safety features, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though some features, like speed reduction, were irritating. The blind-spot monitoring system provided an extra layer of safety, but the vehicle's warning chimes could be overwhelming.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 continued to receive high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The XRT trim featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 offering lane-changing capability and machine learning. The Ioniq 5's safety suite remained comprehensive, though some competitors had caught up in recent years.