2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. Our test vehicle featured the optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport Pro specification, with Brooklyn Grey paint and all available equipment packages, was our test vehicle. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining the quality materials and construction that tied it to its heritage.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, exuded a luxury SUV vibe. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs for its sophistication and impressive ride and handling, although drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially shortly after engine start-up.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured significant upgrades, including a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This allowed for 63 kilometres of electric-only driving before the gasoline engine engaged, with a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in both electric and hybrid modes, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km during a 154-kilometre evaluation drive. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle's weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5's quick steering and excellent outward visibility made it a joy to drive, whether navigating narrow paths or tackling a canyon run in Sport mode.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, with the standard-output 3.3 Turbo generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The power flowed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The CX-90's i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with a combined rating of 9.3 L/100 km for the standard output engine. Despite impressive ride and handling, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour shortly after engine start-up. The CX-90's firm suspension provided a communicative driving experience, but the vehicle suffered from a lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness, detracting from the upscale impression created by its styling and interior.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area provided 937 litres of space, expanding to 2,016 litres with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach items deep in the cargo hold. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, with optional 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats offering exceptional comfort. Four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available, enhancing passenger comfort. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, providing a great view, while side window sunshades protected infants from the sun. Although the X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, it remained a practical and luxurious midsize SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions, although seat-track travel was limited. The long rear doors facilitated loading and unloading of the third row, which was best suited for children. The CX-90's cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. Despite its stylish design, the CX-90 lacked practicality, with limited storage space on and under the centre console.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and over-the-air software updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, failing to provide accurate directions and tune to specific radio stations. Despite this, the head-up display effectively conveyed data to the driver, and the augmented video function for navigation was a useful feature.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with lower trims using traditional gauges and smaller screens. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but the 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display offered helpful data, including blind-spot alerts, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which worked well in dense or light traffic but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance performed well on curved roads, although the system occasionally engaged hard braking unnecessarily. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, although the speed reduction feature could be irritating, and the audible warning systems were excessive.