2025 Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50 vs CX-90: Which One Makes the Best Family SUV?
2025 Mazda CX-5 vs CX-50 vs CX-90: Which One Makes the Best Family SUV?
Posted on October 26, 2025
Families in Whitby and around Durham Region need SUVs that balance comfort, safety, and space. Snowy winters, summer cottage trips through Kawarthas, long highway drives to Toronto or Ottawa—all demand something reliable and capable. Mazda offers three good options: CX-5, CX-50, and CX-90. As a dealer, I want to help you see which one fits your family best.
Performance and Efficiency
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine. It can also come with a turbo version producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft torque. Fuel use on the highway can be as low as 7.7 L/100 km in select trims. It feels light and quick, and it keeps the fuel budget low on long drives. In comparison, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 brings slightly stronger power in its higher trims. It has AWD across the lineup and turbo choices for more punch.
It feels a bit more rugged, though on the other hand, it uses slightly more fuel because of its extra weight. Whereas, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is the strongest of all. It offers 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft torque, and can run short distances on electric power only. It can give about 8.4 L/100 km in mild hybrid mode. On the contrary to the smaller models, this one feels like it was made for long family trips while still keeping fuel use under control. If your family often tows trailers or packs for long road trips, the CX-90 stands out as the better choice here.
Cargo Space
The CX-5 seats five people. When its rear seats fold, it opens up to about 1,680 litres of cargo room. The seats are cloth or leather-trimmed based on trim, and fold flat for hauling gear. This is enough for grocery runs, sports bags, or a stroller. In comparison, the CX-50 is wider and longer. It also seats five, but it feels roomier, and there’s more space in the rear. This makes it handier for families who need space without going to a three-row SUV. On the other hand, the CX-90 goes big. It can seat up to eight and still leave space behind the third row for gear. When you fold the back rows, it offers more cargo room than the other two combined. CX-90, no doubt is for bigger families or cottage weekends with a full load of bags and kids is clearly the best pick.
Interior and Tech
The CX-5 offers nice finishes. Upper trims give leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power seating, and a Bose 10-speaker sound system. There’s wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging on some trims. Keyless entry and ignition come in handy on cold mornings. In comparison, the CX-50 adds a tougher style, AWD on all trims, and a slightly larger cabin. It still feels close to CX-5 inside, but with a touch more room to stretch out. On the contrary, the CX-90 brings a more luxury feel. It has premium materials all around, more tech, and comfort for every row. Families feel like they’re riding in a first-class lounge. If your family wants more comfort and tech for everyone, the CX-90 is the better choice.
Safety Features
The CX-5 includes Mazda’s i-ActivSense features like Smart Brake Support Front, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring. In comparison, the CX-50 gives the same set of features with a slightly wider stance and AWD that adds grip on icy roads. On the other hand, the CX-90 builds on these features and adds more advanced driver assists. It also feels more planted thanks to its size and stronger structure. So for carrying more people safely through tough Canadian winters, the CX-90 leads the way.
See Them in Whitby
All three Mazda SUVs bring something valuable to families. In comparison, the CX-5 is perfect for smaller families who want easy driving and good fuel economy. On the other hand, the CX-50 suits those who want more space and rugged style without going too big. On the contrary, the CX-90 fits big families who need space, power, and extra peace of mind on long drives. Visit Whitby Mazda in Whitby, ON, and experience these vehicles by yourself by booking a test drive. Feel how each one fits your family’s life right here in Ontario.