Compare the2026 Mazda CX-50VS 2025 Audi new Q5 Sportback

The Mazda CX-50 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help 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 new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer knee airbags.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-50 achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Audi new Q5 Sportback has not been tested.

Both the CX-50 and the new Q5 Sportback 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.

The Mazda CX-50 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The new Q5 Sportback has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the CX-50 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the new Q5 Sportback. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the new Q5 Sportback ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 76 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-50’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 44 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mazda higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 112 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 1 place higher in reliability than Audi.

The CX-50’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 25 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 295) than the new Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-50 gets better mileage than the new Q5 Sportback:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-50 (except Turbo/Hybrid)’s fuel efficiency. The new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The CX-50 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a CVT.

The CX-50 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the new Q5 Sportback; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the CX-50 Hybrid’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the new Q5 Sportback’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.7 feet). The CX-50’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the new Q5 Sportback’s (36 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The Mazda CX-50 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 550 pounds less than the Audi new Q5 Sportback.

The CX-50 has 1.1 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more rear headroom and 1.8 inches more rear legroom than the new Q5 Sportback.

The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the new Q5 Sportback with its rear seat up (31.4 vs. 25.4 cubic feet). The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the new Q5 Sportback with its rear seat folded (56.3 vs. 53.1 cubic feet).

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the CX-50 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 new Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-50 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the new Q5 Sportback only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-50, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda CX-50 outsold the Audi Q5/SQ5 by 43% during 2024.