2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,965 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 lies in powertrain output, with the Mazda delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Lexus's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. Despite this 77 hp advantage for the CX-90, the Lexus NX achieves superior fuel economy, rated at 28 MPG combined compared to the Mazda's 25 MPG combined. Pricewise, the CX-90 undercuts the NX's MSRP of $40,965 with a starting price of $38,800. Dimensions also reveal differences; the CX-90 is nearly 17 inches longer at 200.8 inches versus the NX’s 183.5 inches, although the NX offers greater utility with 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the Lexus employs FWD standard, while the Mazda includes AWD across its initial trim structure.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus NX

The 2025 Lexus NX is the better commuter choice due to its 3 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (28 MPG vs. 25 MPG).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is preferred for families due to its significantly larger overall dimensions, including a greater width of 78.5 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is superior for driving enthusiasts because it offers 332 lb-ft of torque versus the Lexus NX's 184 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides better value by offering 77 more horsepower for a starting MSRP that is $2,165 lower than the Lexus NX.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel efficiency is the top priority, as the Lexus NX achieves 33 MPG highway.
A smaller, more maneuverable footprint is desired, with the NX measuring 183.5 inches in length.
Standard front-wheel drive operation is preferred over all-wheel drive systems.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Maximum power delivery is sought, evidenced by the CX-90's 280 hp engine.
The owner requires higher inherent traction with standard all-wheel drive configuration.
Greater passenger or overall physical volume is necessary, noted by its 200.8-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Mazda CX-90
Length	183.5"	200.8"
Width	73.4"	78.5"
Height	66.1"	68.3"
Wheelbase	105.9"	122.8"

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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

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	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	265/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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	✓	—
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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 compared to the 2025 Lexus NX?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 generates 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard powertrain. This represents a substantial lead of 77 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque over the 2025 Lexus NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft.

Which crossover offers superior cargo space for hauling?

The 2025 Lexus NX offers superior dedicated cargo space with 22.7 cubic feet available behind the second row. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is dimensionally larger overall but provides less measurable cargo room at 14.9 cubic feet.

Is the difference in fuel economy significant enough to affect annual running costs?

Yes, the Lexus NX achieves 28 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined, which translates to measurable annual fuel savings over high mileage commutes.

What is the starting price difference between these two comparable crossovers?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,800, undercutting the 2025 Lexus NX's $40,965 MSRP by $2,165 at base trim levels.

Does the base drivetrain configuration differ between the two models?

The 2025 Lexus NX comes standard with front-wheel drive mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes an all-wheel drive system standard with its 8-speed automatic.

Which vehicle is physically larger on the road?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches long and 78.5 inches wide. The Lexus NX is notably more compact at 183.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide.