2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mazda CX-70
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the luxurious but premium-fueled 2025 Audi Q5 and the muscular, larger 2026 Mazda CX-70 presents a classic conundrum: refinement versus raw capability. Buyers often wrestle with upfront cost versus long-term ownership experience. The Audi starts at $45,400, whereas the Mazda undercuts it significantly at $42,250. Performance swings heavily to the Mazda, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Q5's 201 hp. While both offer AWD, the CX-70 rewards the driver with a more powerful experience. Fuel economy is close, with the Q5 slightly better at 26 combined MPG (vs. the CX-70's 25 MPG) and demanding premium fuel. However, the CX-70 offers substantially more utility, providing 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Q5's 25.9 cu ft, making the practical trade-off clear.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is slightly more fuel-efficient overall at 26 combined MPG and is nearly 6.5 inches shorter, aiding urban maneuvering.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 dominates in utility with a massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Audi's 25.9 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 delivers a compelling performance advantage with 79 more horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 is $3,150 cheaper while offering significantly more power and cargo space.
Choose the Audi Q5 if...
- You prioritize a slightly smaller footprint (184.3 inches long) for easier city parking.
- You prefer an automated manual transmission over a traditional automatic.
- You want marginally better combined fuel economy at 26 MPG.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You need substantial cargo volume, as 39.6 cu ft dwarfs the competitor's offering.
- You demand higher output, as 280 hp will feel much livelier on the highway.
- You want to save $3,150 upfront and use less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q5 | Mazda CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.3" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.5" | - |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
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 | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 56.2 in. |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 21 x 9.5 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 275/45R21 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 2026 Mazda CX-70.
Is the 2025 Audi Q5's premium fuel requirement a major ongoing cost concern?
Yes, relying on premium fuel for the Audi Q5’s 201 hp engine will increase your long-term operating costs compared to the Mazda CX-70, which runs on regular unleaded. This needs to be factored into the $3,150 MSRP savings the Mazda currently offers.
How much bigger is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 really?
The Mazda CX-70 is significantly larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Audi Q5's 184.3 inches. This extra length translates directly into much more usable space inside the cabin for passengers and cargo.
Which car handles highway passing maneuvers better?
The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the clear winner here due to its superior power output of 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a noticeable edge when merging or overtaking slower traffic compared to the Q5’s 201 hp.
Does the Audi Q5 have better gas mileage for long commutes?
Slightly. The Audi Q5 achieves a combined 26 MPG with a 23/29 city/highway rating, making it marginally more efficient than the CX-70’s 25 combined MPG. However, remember the Audi requires premium gasoline.
If interior space is paramount, is the cargo difference significant?
Absolutely; the difference is substantial for families. The CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is nearly 14 cubic feet more than the Q5’s 25.9 cu ft, meaning more room for luggage or gear.
Are the transmissions vastly different between the two crossovers?
Yes, they use different approaches: the Q5 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, while the CX-70 employs a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic. These differing setups affect the driving feel during gear changes.
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