Cadillac LYRIQ vs Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking presence on the road, with its sleek design reminiscent of a long sedan rather than a typical SUV. Its long hood, low ground clearance, and unique styling cues, such as the vertical light bars and LED headlights, gave it a distinctive look. The vehicle's design was further enhanced by its wide track and short tail, drawing inspiration from the classic Seville Elegante. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted a luxurious interior with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, the floating centre console was a design misstep, offering little practical space.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 was an attractive option in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling elements from the CX-5 but with a sportier stance. Its interior featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials and distinct stitching, adding a touch of elegance. The red leather upholstery in the hybrid model added vibrancy, although the decorative stripe on the seats was a point of contention for some. Despite these quirks, the CX-50's interior quality leaned towards entry-level luxury, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between style and practicality.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more at home on the highway, offering a calm and poised ride. Its dual-motor powertrain delivered an impressive 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, with a range of up to 505 kilometres on a single charge. However, its handling was hindered by its substantial weight of 2,630 kilograms, leading to significant understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The regenerative braking system was a welcome feature, but the overall chassis performance left much to be desired.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. Its acceleration was comparable to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and the sportier suspension tuning provided engaging handling. While the firmer ride quality was noticeable, it was not intrusive, and the CX-50 maintained a quiet cabin on the highway. The electronically controlled CVT added to the driving experience, making the CX-50 a more agile and confidence-inspiring choice.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in terms of build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a problematic charging port, and a cumbersome glovebox were notable issues. The floating console offered limited storage space, and the cargo capacity was smaller than most compact SUVs, with 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom for passengers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50, while enjoyable to drive, fell short in practicality compared to its competitors. The front seats offered ample space, but the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but rivals provided more options. The cargo capacity of 826 litres behind the rear seats was below the class average, though the space was still usable for daily needs. Features like a power liftgate and remote rear seatback releases added convenience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ excelled in technology with its 33-inch OLED screen, offering touch-enabled controls and a user-friendly infotainment system with native Google Maps and Google Assistant. The Super Cruise system was a standout feature, providing a seamless hands-free driving experience. The 19-speaker AKG stereo further enhanced the in-car experience, making the LYRIQ a tech-savvy choice.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50's technology was more understated, with a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a dial on the centre console. While this setup was less common, it offered a distraction-free experience for some users. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the GT trim featured a 12-speaker Bose premium system. The CX-50's technology package was practical and user-friendly, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It included comprehensive driver assistance features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The systems functioned reliably, providing a smooth and safe driving experience.