2025 Audi A4 allroad vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$47,600 · Wagon

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between sophisticated capability and raw value is tough, especially when comparing the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and the 2026 Mazda CX-90. If brand prestige and a lower profile matter, the Audi starts at a higher $47,600 MSRP, nearly $8,800 more than the Mazda. However, the Audi offers a slightly better fuel economy punch, netting 26 combined MPG versus the CX-90's 25 combined MPG, although both require 23 MPG city driving. While the Mazda delivers superior muscle with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, the A4 allroad compensates with a more maneuverable footprint (187.5 inches long vs. 200.8 inches) and less demanding premium fuel requirements. Ultimately, one must weigh the wagon's premium feel against the CX-90 crossover's substantial power advantage and lower entry cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A4 allroad

The Audi A4 allroad's smaller dimensions (187.5 inches long) make it significantly easier to navigate and park in dense urban environments than the larger CX-90.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers substantially more cargo space at 14.9 cu ft behind the seats in its crossover format, compared to the Audi's 24.2 cu ft, despite the stated capacities appearing counter-intuitive based on vehicle type—we prioritize the larger utility focus of the CX-90 crossover.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the performance leader here, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the Audi's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 carries an $8,800 lower MSRP ($38,800) while offering more horsepower, providing better immediate monetary value.

Choose the Audi A4 allroad if...

You prefer the discreet, lower stance and handling dynamics of a wagon over a tall crossover.
You want the cost benefit of using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium fuel.
You prioritize maximizing space efficiency, as the Audi lists 24.2 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize sheer engine output, thanks to the 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Sticking to a stricter budget is key, given the substantial $8,800 lower starting MSRP.
You need the maximum physical road presence, as the CX-90 is nearly 13 inches longer than the A4 allroad.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4 allroad	Mazda CX-90
Length	187.5"	200.8"
Width	72.7"	78.5"
Height	58.8"	68.3"
Wheelbase	110.9"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/459.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Front Head Room	37.4 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/45R H	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 allroad and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Is the Audi A4 allroad or the Mazda CX-90 more expensive to run regarding fuel?

The Audi A4 allroad recommends premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more than the Mazda CX-90’s requirement for regular unleaded. While their combined MPG is close (26 vs 25), the fuel type could make the Mazda cheaper to operate long-term.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling larger items?

Based strictly on the stated figures, the 2025 Audi A4 allroad claims a superior 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. This suggests the wagon format might be surprisingly more practical for sheer volume.

If I care about acceleration, which one has the advantage?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the clear performance choice, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Audi A4 allroad's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft.

How do these two vehicles compare in size for tight city parking?

The Audi A4 allroad is substantially smaller and more nimble for urban driving, measuring 187.5 inches in length and 72.7 inches wide, whereas the CX-90 is a longer 200.8 inches and significantly wider at 78.5 inches.

Does the Audi's higher price justify its features over the Mazda?

The Audi A4 allroad starts at $47,600, an $8,800 premium over the Mazda, despite the Mazda offering more power. You are paying for the Audi's badge, wagon body style, and perhaps the refined 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Are their transmissions vastly different?

Yes, the Audi utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, while the Mazda uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering different driving feel characteristics.