2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's true SUV range. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, made it unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, with standard xLine models showcasing matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum finishes for an upscale appearance. M Sport models added a sporty touch with body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did offer plenty of leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models had unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 received subtle yet significant updates. New LED headlights and taillights provided distinctive illumination, and the revised bumpers, grille, and rear liftgate gave it a refreshed look. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats offered improved comfort, and the revised trim levels, though more confusing, provided a range of options from the base 2.5 S to the turbocharged 2.5 Turbo models.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a variety of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offered up to 30 miles of all-electric range. However, the X5's steering and handling dynamics were less impressive, with a Lincoln-like feel at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, the M50i at 18 mpg, the xDrive at 23 mpg, and the xDrive45e at 20 mpg combined or 50 MPGe with electric power.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5 Turbo model offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The CX-5's fuel economy was 26 mpg combined for the 2.5 S and 24 mpg combined for the 2.5 Turbo. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) provided Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the driving experience. The 2022 CX-5's improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning resulted in a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders conveniently placed and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after extended periods. The rear seats were comfortable for kids and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. However, the second-row doors did not open very wide, complicating the loading of children and cargo. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was minimal.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new, more supportive furnishings. The driving position was sportier, and the height-adjustable front passenger seat was a welcome addition. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for added comfort. The control layout, while initially frustrating, became manageable with time. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. The CX-5 provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. The system lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition, making it less intuitive. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above added a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the infotainment system required adjustment, it became manageable over time.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite seven recalls.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a driver monitoring system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense system generally operated in the background, making it more likely to be used. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.