Compare the2025 Audi new Q5VS 2026 Mazda CX-50

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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Both the new Q5 and CX-50 have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The new Q5 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The CX-50’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The new Q5 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The CX-50 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Audi new Q5 achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Mazda CX-50 which scored only an “Acceptable” in these critical safety features.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the new Q5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-50 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The new Q5 has Car-to-X Services, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

The Audi new Q5 offers an optional Top View Camera System and it also offers an optional rear camera washer to make backing always safe, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Mazda CX-50 doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the new Q5 has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Assist with Automatic Brake Activation, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the new Q5 and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Audi new Q5 is safer than the CX-50:

	new Q5	CX-50
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	81	114
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	22 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.06 in	1.34 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	357 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.94 in	1.61 in
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	892 lbs.	982 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.83 in	.87 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Warranty

The new Q5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-50’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The new Q5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-50’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

The Audi new Q5’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the CX-50’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the new Q5 has a 150-amp alternator. The CX-50’s standard 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The new Q5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 81 more horsepower (268 vs. 187) and 110 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 185) than the CX-50’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The new Q5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 49 more horsepower (268 vs. 219) and 132 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 163) than the CX-50’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The new Q5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 12 more horsepower (268 vs. 256) than the CX-50’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

The new Q5 has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The new Q5 has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 15.9 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Audi new Q5 higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-50 (4 to 6). This means the new Q5 produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-50 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Audi new Q5, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-50.

The new Q5 offers an available sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The new Q5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CX-50 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the new Q5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-50:

	new Q5	CX-50
Front Rotors	13.3 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	12.8 inches

The new Q5’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the new Q5 has larger standard tires than the CX-50 (235/55R19 vs. 225/65R17). The new Q5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-50 (255/45R20 vs. 245/45R20).

The new Q5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-50’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the new Q5 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-50.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the new Q5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The CX-50 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Audi new Q5 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The new Q5 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the new Q5 flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The new Q5 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The new Q5 Prestige has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The new Q5’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

Passenger Space

The new Q5 has 1.8 inches more front shoulder room and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the new Q5’s rear seats recline. The CX-50’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The new Q5 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-50 with its rear seat folded (57.1 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the new Q5. The CX-50 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the new Q5’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The new Q5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-50’s (4400 vs. 2000 pounds).

While the CX-50 Hybrid can only tow 1500, any new Q5 can tow a minimum of 4400 pounds.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the new Q5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-50. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The new Q5’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

If the windows are left open on the new Q5 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the CX-50 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The new Q5’s standard Audi Advanced Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-50 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the new Q5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-50 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The new Q5 Premium Plus/Prestige has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CX-50 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the new Q5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-50 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The new Q5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-50 Preferred/Meridian/Premium/Turbo.

The Audi new Q5 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the CX-50 Premium Plus Hybrid/Turbo.

The Audi new Q5 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Mazda charges extra for Homelink® on the CX-50.

Compared to traditional radio, the Audi new Q5’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The new Q5’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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