Your priorities will determine which SUV comes out on top in a competition between the Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90 vs. BMW X5. For example, the BMW model can thrill drivers who are after a performance engine – and yet, despite this vehicle’s acceleration speeds, it can quickly be left behind in the estimation of someone looking for a family vehicle. Our team at Greenway Mazda has compiled key information about these three midsize models to help you understand their character better.
Despite the implications of the Mazda CX-90 having one extra row compared to the Mazda CX-70, these vehicles are identical in overall size. Their midsize dimensions provide a good balance between spaciousness and agility. Meanwhile, the BMW X5 is shorter but wider.
Here’s a closer look at a Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90 vs. BMW X5 size comparison:
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 2025 MAZDA CX-70 |
 2025 MAZDA CX-90 |
 2026 BMW X5 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.6 in | 201.6 in | 194.3-195 in |
| Width w/out mirrors | 77.6 in | 77.6 in | 78.9-79.3 in |
| Height | 68.2-68.7 in | 68.2-68.7 in | 68.9-69 in |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 7 or 8 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | Up to 75.3 cu ft | Up to 75.2 cu ft | Up to 72.3 cu ft |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 41.7 / 39.4 in | 41.7 / 39.4 / 30.4 in | 39.8 / 37.4 in2 |
Taller drivers and passengers will likely appreciate the added legroom in the Mazda models. While the BMW X5 may have an advantage in parallel parking, being slightly less long, the Mazda SUVs have the edge when it comes to traditional parking lots or garages.
Now that we’ve explored Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90 vs. BMW X5 dimensions, it’s time to look under the hood:
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| 2025 MAZDA CX-70 |
2025 MAZDA CX-90 |
2026 BMW X5 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L I-6 TURBO | e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L I-6 TURBO | 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo I-6 |
| Standard Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp | 375 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-biased i-Activ AWD® | Rear-biased i-Activ AWD® | RWD or AWD |
| MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 24 / 283 | 24 / 283 | No EPA estimates |
The BMW X5 gains a point here for its exceptionally strong horsepower. Unfortunately, if you’re not invested in shaving seconds off of your 0-60 mph time, this point might not be worth much. On a day-to-day basis, fuel efficiency and confident handling are often more important.
Both Mazda SUVs come with standard i-Activ AWD® to give you added traction on uneven or too-slick roads. The BMW X5 has standard RWD, which can add to its sportiness but detract from your sense of control.
We are still awaiting the EPA-estimated MPG figures for the latest BMW X5 model as of this writing. However, given this vehicle’s resemblance to its previous iteration, we can assume its fuel efficiency will be similar. Usually, comparing RWD fuel efficiency to AWD fuel efficiency gives an unfair advantage to the RWD vehicle, but that’s not the case here. If the BMW X5 retains its 23/27 MPG (City/Highway) with RWD,4 this means it still comes up short against the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90, which can get up to 24/28 MPG (City/Highway).3
You can opt for a higher-horsepower version of both Mazda SUVs or the BMW model, but trading up to the 617-horsepower BMW X5 M Competition model will cause your gas mileage to plummet substantially. The 2025 version could only manage 13/18 MPG (City/Highway).4
Of course, for those whose primary concern is fuel efficiency, all three of these vehicles have plug-in hybrid counterparts. Here’s a look at their MPG figures:
You will likely be impressed by the safety capabilities of all three of these vehicles. While the most current BMW X5 has yet to be evaluated, the BMW X5, Mazda CX-70, and Mazda CX-90 are received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards1 for 2025, and each is imbued with intuitive driver-assistance technology.
Your options for Mazda CX-70 trim levels include:
You have one added option when it comes to Mazda CX-90 trims:
Meanwhile, BMW automakers don’t refer to their different options as “trim levels,” but rather “models,” including the following:
While knowing the names of the trims can be nice, what’s in a name? What do these trim levels say about the creature comforts you can expect from your vehicle? The following chart looks at some Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90 vs. BMW X5 features you might be interested in.
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| 2025 MAZDA CX-70 |
2025 MAZDA CX-90 |
2026 BMW X5 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Trims | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Standard Climate Control System | 3 Zone | 3 Zone | 2 Zone |
| Standard Upholstery | Leather | Leatherette | Sensafin |
| Standard Touchscreen Display | 12.3 in | 10.25 in | 14.9 in |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Available | Standard |
| Wireless phone charging | Standard | Available | Standard |
However, we will be the first to admit that this chart paints a very incomplete picture. For one thing, it focuses on entry-level features, but you can get a top-tier Mazda CX-70 or Mazda CX-90 for less than the MSRP of the entry-level BMW X5 sDrive 40i. When we compare these vehicles by the trims with the closest price points, we can see that the Mazda vehicles come with:
The BMW X5 sDrive 40i does not offer ventilated seating or heated second row seats, has Sensafin upholstery, four-way power-adjustment for the front seats, and a HiFi sound system.
Which SUV is better for families: the Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-90, or BMW X5? You decide, but our answer is fairly clear.
To dive deeper into Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90 vs. BMW X5 infotainment features, reach out to our team today. We can also show you the Mazda CX-70 Interior in person when you visit our showroom.
To hear more in-depth Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90 vs. BMW X5 reviews from our experts, visit our dealership today. We’d love to help you visualize the points discussed here by showing you these vehicles’ cargo space, giving an in-person demonstration of some of the Mazda CX-70 vs. Mazda CX-90 vs. BMW X5 technology, and showing off some of the brilliant Mazda colors we have available.
The fuel efficiency for the latest BMW X5 model has yet to be released. However, it’s likely to come under the MPG ratings of the Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90, both of which earn an EPA-estimated 24/28 MPG (City/Highway),3 as the BMW X5 utilizes the same standard engine as it did last year, which made 23/27 MPG (City/Highway).4
Which SUV offers the best performance depends on what performance metric you are measuring. The BMW X5 delivers higher horsepower, while the Mazda models will generally be more fuel-efficient. All three vehicles are especially safe, according to the IIHS.1 However, the Mazda SUVs offer standard i-Activ AWD®, which can increase your performance on slick roads or uneven terrain.
The key differences between the Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-90, and BMW X5 include:
2/26/2025
Things are going great at the dealership! The CX-70 is spotless, and the garage staff has been super helpful. Melissa Watt has been a lifesaver, and Chris Hernandez is the manager. I’m still doing my research and exploring options, but I’m leaning towards becoming a Mazda fan. Fingers crossed! Well, I ended up buying the 2025 Mazda CX 70. Melissa was amazing to work with - she always responded to my texts right away. I’m an eager person who loves to help others, and you don’t pressure me into buying a car. Instead, you make sure I want the right vehicle. If you’re looking for a salesperson, Melissa is your person. PS, the dog really likes the car too! I have a Labradoodle that she goes everywhere with me, so she loves the car and looks like royalty in the back.
11/10/2024
I’ve always had a great experience at this dealership as I’ve purchased from them before. I went in recently to look to trade in for a CX-70. Devin approached me and made sure that I was taken care of. He was very knowledgeable about the vehicles without being pushy. I will definitely be dealing with him going forward.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org
2Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.carsdirect.com/bmw/x5/2026/specs.
3EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
4Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
5MPGe is the EPA-equivalent of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric vehicles. The EPA-estimated combined MPGe includes both city and highway driving and gasoline and electric energy use. Mileage will vary based on vehicle and battery condition, temperature, driving habits and other factors. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual results will vary.
