2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic stance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with a horizontal dashboard and high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, with some finding its placement awkward.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. Despite some design-related complaints about ergonomics, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, the CX-90's interior was convincingly upscale. It offered a sophisticated look and feel, setting it apart from most midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not designed for serious off-road use, it offered all-wheel drive and filled the gap between the 187 hp base engine and the 256 hp Turbo models. Acceleration was comparable to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, with an expected 0-100 km/h time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning provided engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm ride quality that remained smooth enough for most passengers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 introduced a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, available in standard and high-output variants. The standard-output model produced 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90 offered impressive ride and handling, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour shortly after engine start-up. Despite these issues, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a communicative and engaging driving experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample room in the front seats, but rear-seat space was less generous compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo capacity was limited to 826 litres behind the rear seats, falling short of the class average. However, the space was more usable than the figures suggested, with a standard power liftgate and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases and hooks for shopping bags.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. While the three-zone climate control system took time to cool the cabin, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable on long trips. The CX-90 offered 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow bin under the centre armrest and stingy door panel storage.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a dial on the centre console, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad was standard on the hybrid model. The base trims had an eight-speaker audio system, while the GT trim featured a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's Signature trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system required the use of a knob and buttons on the centre console, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-90's voice recognition system was less effective, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda’s Active Driving Display, providing a rewarding listening experience and helpful data.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned a five-star rating in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system.