2025 Audi Q5 vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$45,400 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q5 captivates with its refined German engineering and compact, maneuverable footprint (184.3 inches long), promising a premium, composed daily drive with 26 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 bellows performance from the outset, boasting a robust 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, far outpacing the Q5's 201 hp. This power surge in the CX-90 comes with a $6,600 MSRP advantage over the Audi, starting at just $38,800 compared to the Q5's $45,400. While the Audi sips fuel slightly better (29 highway MPG versus 28 for the Mazda), the substantial 79 hp deficit in the Q5 means the Mazda offers dramatically more shove for weekend blasts. The larger CX-90 offers a cavernous exterior (200.8 inches long), suitable for bulkier hauling, though its designated cargo space is surprisingly smaller at 14.9 cu ft compared to the Audi's 25.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 wins for commuters due to its slightly better 26 combined MPG and smaller dimensions making city maneuvering easier.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The larger 200.8-inch long Mazda CX-90 is likely to offer a superior three-row or larger family experience, despite slightly less dedicated cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the clear driver's choice, delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Q5's 201 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers substantially more power for a price tag that undercuts the Q5 by $6,600, making it the superior financial proposition.

Choose the Audi Q5 if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency slightly more, aiming for the Q5's 29 highway MPG.
You desire the compact feel of a crossover, with the Q5 measuring 184.3 inches in length.
You prefer an automated manual transmission setup paired with a slightly tighter, premium interior feel.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You demand high performance, as the CX-90 boasts an impressive 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You are highly budget conscious and benefit from the $6,600 lower starting MSRP of $38,800.
You need standard, non-premium fuel, as the Mazda runs happily on regular unleaded compared to the Audi's recommendation for premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q5	Mazda CX-90
Length	184.3"	200.8"
Width	74.5"	78.5"
Height	65.5"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/536.5 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

What is the key performance difference between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2026 Mazda CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 holds a significant advantage with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, crushing the Audi Q5's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. This nearly 80 hp difference means the CX-90 offers a much more rapid acceleration experience.

Which crossover provides better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Audi Q5 edges out the CX-90 slightly in efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 25 combined MPG. Additionally, the Audi achieves 29 highway MPG while the Mazda only reaches 28 highway MPG.

How does the starting price compare for these two AWD crossovers?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,800, making it significantly more affordable than the 2025 Audi Q5, which begins at $45,400. This represents a substantial $6,600 difference favoring the Mazda.

Is the larger Mazda CX-90 more spacious inside than the Audi Q5?

While the CX-90 is dimensionally larger (200.8 inches long versus 184.3 inches for the Q5), the Audi Q5 surprisingly offers more dedicated cargo volume at 25.9 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

Do both models require premium fuel?

No, the 2025 Audi Q5 recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its listed performance figures. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, offering further running cost savings.

What are the differences in transmission technology?

The Audi Q5 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission for its AWD system. The Mazda CX-90 employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which often provides smoother, more intuitive gear changes during spirited driving.