2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a refreshed exterior with new LED headlights and taillights, aiming to address the issue of drivers neglecting to turn on their regular lights. The model also featured updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's aspiration to be seen as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were redesigned for 2022, offering improved comfort. The CX-5 was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $30,500 to $43,650, excluding destination charges. The test drive model, equivalent to the Sport Design grade in the U.S., included a turbocharged engine and additional features, bringing the total cost to an estimated $46,175.

The 2023 Audi Q5 combined subtle curves with angular accents, offering a classy yet sporty appearance. Available in two body styles, the regular SUV and the sleeker Sportback, the Q5 stood out with its spoiler-like element above the taillights. Inside, the Q5's design remained simple and refined, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The Q5's build quality was robust, providing a quiet and solid driving experience, making it a strong contender among luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, achieving a fuel consumption of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with slightly lower figures on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and AWD, with a fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, contributing to the CX-5's sporty driving experience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came with three engine options. The base 40 TFSI quattro was a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro offered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, while the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric-only range of 37 kilometres. All engines were paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro AWD. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate. The Q5's handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering, though spirited drivers might prefer the higher-performing SQ5.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new furnishings, offering a sportier driving position and improved comfort. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but featured heated cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Storage space was limited, with a small centre armrest bin and adequate cargo space of 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional and well-organized. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned to reduce distraction, with physical buttons for climate and secondary controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options were available but sometimes oddly sized. The Q5 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly reduced in the Sportback, with competitive capacity compared to rivals.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked a touchscreen interface and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The GT and higher trims featured a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS also awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and matrix-design LED headlights, enhancing safety and convenience.