2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving the front an imposing look. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite the new styling elements, the changes seemed more evolutionary than revolutionary, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. In Canada, the Q5 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the latter two offering matrix-design LED headlights and animated taillights. The Q5 came in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade added sporty features like matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, along with 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5's interior was detailed and distinctive, though somewhat discordant in design. Materials were top-notch, with leather seating surfaces standard, and a red interior with Alcantara trim available on the SQ5.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a compelling interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a low, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, the ergonomics were a point of contention, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90's interior felt upscale compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's power output was competitive, with slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the output of a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, with a manufacturer-estimated 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the sporty feel. The air suspension with adaptive damping, standard on the SQ5, provided capable handling but didn't encourage aggressive driving. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output models generated 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 rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres of ground clearance. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour shortly after engine start-up. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but the drivetrain's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness was a drawback. The taut suspension provided a firm, communicative ride, but the 21-inch wheels contributed to a less compliant experience.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, with adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 offered 757 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,710 litres behind the first row, providing more space than a Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC but less than an Acura RDX or BMW X3. A power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, with additional features like heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity was 2,000 kilograms, surpassing some rivals.

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 quickly. The front seats were comfortable on longer trips, and the panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions, but seat-track travel was limited. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. The CX-90's cargo space was practical, with 451 litres behind the third row and 1,155 litres with the third row folded. Maximum cargo volume was 2,129 litres, though storage space was limited compared to some rivals.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the Technik trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The Progressiv trim added four USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some vehicle functions. An available head-up display provided useful information, and the Dynamic Interaction Light offered additional cues to the driver.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. 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 for operation. The 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 a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. An exit alert feature used interior ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. However, the Q5's safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) were not favourable, with too many Marginal or Acceptable ratings for a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all crash tests conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 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, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.