2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
The most significant metric separating the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 versus the NX's substantially higher entry point of $40,965, a $10,465 difference. Performance figures show the Lexus NX possessing a slight edge in output, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, compared to the CX-50's 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is identical across the board, with both models achieving a combined 28 MPG. Where the Mazda clearly excels is utility, offering a vastly superior 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft. The Lexus utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission standard, whereas the CX-50 is equipped with a 6-speed unit, and their dimensions differ, with the CX-50 being 2.3 inches longer but 2.6 inches lower than the NX.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX provides a slightly better highway MPG rating (33 MPG vs 31 MPG) and offers standard front-wheel drive for potentially lower operational costs.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 is the definitive choice for hauling cargo due to its substantial 31.4 cubic feet capacity, overshadowing the NX's 22.7 cubic feet.
2025 Lexus NX
The NX offers greater power delivery with 203 horsepower and features an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission compared to the CX-50's 6-speed unit.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins on value by providing a significantly lower MSRP of $30,500 while matching the Lexus in combined fuel efficiency at 28 MPG.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize the marginally higher highway fuel economy of 33 MPG.
- You prefer the extra torque management provided by the standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
- You desire the premium branding associated with the Lexus badge starting at $40,965.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Maximum utility is required, evidenced by 31.4 cu ft of cargo space versus 22.7 cu ft in the NX.
- You are budget-conscious and seek the $10,465 lower starting MSRP of $30,500.
- All-wheel drive capability is a necessity, which comes standard on the CX-50.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 185.8" |
| Width | 73.4" | 75.6" |
| Height | 66.1" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 397.5/492.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P225/65R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Mazda CX-50.
How does the base powertrain output compare between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Lexus NX produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from its engine. In comparison, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 generates a slightly lower 187 horsepower but achieves a marginally higher 185 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers more room for luggage and gear?
The Mazda CX-50 is significantly better equipped for cargo, offering 31.4 cubic feet of storage space. The Lexus NX trails considerably with only 22.7 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.
What is the price difference when comparing the entry-level models?
There is a substantial $10,465 MSRP gap between the two vehicles at their starting points. The base CX-50 is priced at $30,500, while the base NX starts at $40,965.
Do the drivetrains and transmissions vary between the base trims?
Yes, the standard configuration differs; the base Lexus NX uses front-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic. Conversely, the base Mazda CX-50 includes standard all-wheel drive mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Is there a difference in fuel economy for routine driving?
Both vehicles achieve an identical combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG. The Lexus NX offers better highway efficiency at 33 MPG compared to the CX-50's 31 MPG highway rating.
How do their exterior dimensions affect their footprint?
The Mazda CX-50 is slightly longer at 185.8 inches compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, but it is significantly lower, standing at 63.5 inches versus the NX's 66.1 inches.
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