2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$45,400 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between luxury refinement and outright power often plagues premium crossover buyers. The 2025 Audi Q5 starts at a steep $45,400, offering a modest 201 horsepower, but its compact size (184.3 inches long) makes urban navigation simpler than the lengthy 200.8-inch Mazda CX-90. Conversely, the CX-90 dramatically undercuts the Audi with an MSRP of just $38,045 while boasting significantly more muscle, delivering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque—a hefty 79 hp advantage. While the Audi manages slightly better efficiency at 26 MPG combined versus the Mazda's 25 MPG, both require premium fuel recommendations, though the CX-90 uses regular. The trade-off is clear: the Audi prioritizes compact maneuverability and entry-level luxury cachet, while the Mazda delivers superior straight-line performance for $7,355 less.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5

The slightly smaller dimensions and a slightly better 29 MPG highway rating give the 2025 Audi Q5 a minor edge for daily driving efficiency and parking ease.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

Despite having less overall cargo volume (14.9 cu ft vs. 25.9 cu ft for the Q5), the CX-90's larger overall footprint suggests better passenger space, especially since it is a longer vehicle.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers a commanding 79 hp advantage and significantly more torque (332 lb-ft versus 236 lb-ft), making it the clear choice for spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is substantially cheaper, costing $7,355 less while offering considerably more horsepower and using less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Audi Q5 if...

You prefer the slightly lower 23/29 MPG city/highway figures for easier urban fuel budgeting.
You desire the prestige associated with the Audi brand starting at $45,400.
Your primary concern is navigating tight city streets, where its 184.3-inch length is advantageous over the CX-90.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need maximum accessible power, benefiting from 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You want to save significant money upfront, with an MSRP difference of $7,355.
You require a vehicle capable of running on regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5	Mazda CX-90
Length	184.3"	200.8"
Width	74.5"	78.5"
Height	65.5"	68.2"
Wheelbase	111.0"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	201 hp	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	236 lb-ft	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)	23/29 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/536.5 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
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
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 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	39.3 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Q5 and 2025 Mazda CX-90.

Is the Audi Q5 significantly more fuel-efficient than the Mazda CX-90?

The difference is marginal; the 2025 Audi Q5 achieves 26 MPG combined, just 1 MPG better than the CX-90's 25 MPG combined rating. However, both vehicles recommend premium fuel, although the CX-90 technically only requires regular unleaded.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling cargo, the Audi Q5 or the Mazda CX-90?

The 2025 Audi Q5 wins this category handily, offering 25.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides substantially less space at 14.9 cubic feet in the same configuration.

How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-90 compared to the Audi Q5?

The Mazda CX-90 holds a massive advantage in performance specs, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This is 79 more horsepower than the Q5's 201 horsepower output.

What is the key difference in their driving mechanisms?

The Audi Q5 uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Mazda CX-90 employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Both come standard with all-wheel drive.

Does the lower price of the Mazda include cheaper fuel requirements?

Yes, the lower MSRP of the CX-90, which is $38,045 compared to the Q5’s $45,400, is complemented by its fuel recommendation of regular unleaded, potentially saving operational costs over the premium fuel needed for the Audi.

Which car is physically larger for parking considerations?

The Mazda CX-90 is the larger vehicle in all dimensions; it measures 200.8 inches long and 78.5 inches wide. The Audi Q5 is notably more compact at 184.3 inches long and 74.5 inches wide.