Compare the2024 BMW X5VS 2024 Mazda CX-5

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The X5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-5 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the X5 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The BMW X5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The X5 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The CX-5 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the X5 and CX-5 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the X5 has Cross Traffic Warning with Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The CX-5’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Compared to metal, the X5’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda CX-5 has a metal gas tank.

Both the X5 and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available all wheel drive.

The BMW X5 weighs 1063 to 1790 pounds more than the Mazda CX-5. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The BMW X5 achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The CX-5 has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

The X5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-5’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-5’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-5.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the BMW X5’s reliability 17 points higher than the CX-5.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 11 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mazda.

Engine

The X5 has more powerful engines than the CX-5:

	Horsepower	Torque
X5 s/xDrive40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	375 HP	398 lbs.-ft.
X5 xDrive50e 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	483 HP	516 lbs.-ft.
X5 M60i xDrive 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid	523 HP	553 lbs.-ft.
CX-5 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	187 HP	185 lbs.-ft.
CX-5 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder	256 HP	320 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Car and Driver the X5 M60i xDrive 4.4 turbo V8 hybrid is faster than the Mazda CX-5 turbo 4 cyl.:

	X5	CX-5
Zero to 60 MPH	3.6 sec	6.2 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	9.2 sec	16.7 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.7 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	12.1 sec	14.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	113 MPH	95 MPH
Top Speed	155 MPH	130 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X5 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the CX-5:

			MPG
X5
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/27 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/27 hwy
CX-5
	AWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/27 hwy

The X550e xDrive can travel with zero emissions for 40 miles. The CX-5 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the X5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Regardless of its engine, the X5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CX-5 Turbo doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The X5 has 6.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-5 (21.9 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW X5, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-5.

The X5’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-5 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-5:

	X5	X5 M Sport	CX-5	CX-5 Turbo
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	15.6 inches	11.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	14.6 inches	11.9 inches	11.9 inches

The X5’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-5 are solid, not vented.

The X5 stops much shorter than the CX-5:

	X5	CX-5
70 to 0 MPH	157 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the CX-5 (265/50R19 vs. 225/65R17). The X5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-5 (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 225/65R17).

The X5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5’s standard 65 series tires. The X5’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-5. The X5’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The CX-5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The X5 M60i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The X5 M60i xDrive offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Mazda doesn’t offer an active suspension on the CX-5.

The X5 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-5’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X5 has a standard automatic load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5’s wheelbase is 10.9 inches longer than on the CX-5 (117.1 inches vs. 106.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X5 is 3.4 inches wider in the front and 4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the CX-5.

The X5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (49.7% to 50.3%) than the CX-5’s (57% to 43%). This gives the X5 more stable handling and braking.

The X5 M60i xDrive handles at .86 G’s, while the CX-5 Turbo Signature pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the X5 has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-5 (8.7 vs. 7.6 inches), allowing the X5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X5’s minimum ground clearance is .8 inch higher than on the CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo (8.7 vs. 7.9 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the X5 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The X5 has 1 inch more front headroom, 2.9 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom and 3.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-5.

Cargo Capacity

The X5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-5 with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 30 cubic feet). The X5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-5 with its rear seat folded (72.3 vs. 59.3 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the X5. The CX-5 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The X5’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The CX-5’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the X5’s tailgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-5’s (5952 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-5 is only 2000 pounds. The X5 offers up to a 7209 lbs. towing capacity.

Optional Trailer Stabilization Control on the X5 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The X5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-5 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the X5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-5. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 10% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 11th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat in the CX-5 Preferred/Carbon/Premium/Turbo, the X5 M60i has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The X5’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The power windows standard on both the X5 and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the X5 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the X5 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-5 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X5’s standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-5 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The X5’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-5’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-5 Premium/Turbo.

When the X5 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The CX-5’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The X5’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CX-5 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The X5 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the CX-5.

The X5 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo.

Both the X5 and the CX-5 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the X5 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo offers wireless charging.

The X5’s Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The X5 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the BMW X5 as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.