2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its overall body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-colour matched trims and unique styling elements. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for an overuse of black plastic. The M Sport models offered additional aggressive styling cues, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, introduced subtle yet significant updates to its exterior, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. These changes aimed to enhance its premium appeal, especially in the top-tier Signature trim, which featured body-colour lower exterior trim. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim in the Signature trim. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous criticisms. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, from the more economical GX to the performance-oriented Sport Design and Signature, each with varying levels of luxury and performance features.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the engaging drive experience typical of BMW, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The X5's fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption for this engine was 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The turbocharged variant offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, with a combined fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were praised for their improved ride quality and handling, with reduced noise and body roll, providing a sporty and composed driving experience. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the SUV's versatility.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of its interior space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though longer journeys revealed some discomfort in the front seats. The rear seats were suitable for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's climate controls were user-friendly, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo easy. The air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment, aiding in loading heavy items. The cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model due to the battery.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous criticisms with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The front passenger seat was height-adjustable in all but the base trim, a rarity among competitors. The test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated cushions and air vents for added comfort. The control layout was a point of frustration, with the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect system requiring console controls. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity features. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, lacking touch capability and natural voice recognition. The system required console controls, which could be cumbersome. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The GT and higher trims offered a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately. SiriusXM satellite radio was also available.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera. The system generally performed well, though there was a delay in recognizing vehicles in traffic. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.