2025 Lexus UX vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

$36,740 · Crossover

$30,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the efficient luxury of the 2025 Lexus UX and the practical prowess of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 boils down to priorities: immediate savings versus long-term running costs. The price gap is significant, with the CX-50 starting $6,240 lower at $30,500 compared to the Lexus's $36,740 MSRP. For daily drivers focused on fuel stops, the UX is superior, achieving an excellent 43 combined MPG versus the CX-50’s 28 combined MPG. However, if hauling gear is critical, the CX-50 offers nearly double the cargo space, providing 31.4 cu ft against the UX's meager 17.1 cu ft. While the Lexus offers a slight horsepower edge (196 hp vs. 187 hp), the Mazda provides standard All-Wheel Drive across the board, which is a major benefit for varied weather conditions that the front-wheel-drive Lexus doesn't match.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus UX

The Lexus UX wins for commuters due to its phenomenal 43 combined MPG, significantly reducing regular fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is the better family choice because it offers substantially more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Lexus's 17.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will lean toward the CX-50 for its standard All-Wheel Drive system and traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over the UX's FWD and CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 provides better overall value by being $6,240 cheaper upfront while offering superior utility and AWD capability.

Choose the Lexus UX if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel economy, as the Lexus UX boasts 43 combined MPG.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle for easier city navigation, measuring 177.0 inches long.
You want the best horsepower rating in the comparison, with 196 hp available.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You need maximum storage, as the CX-50 delivers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space, almost double the UX.
You prioritize having All-Wheel Drive standard for better traction in poor weather.
You are looking to save $6,240 on the initial purchase price while getting 185 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus UX	Mazda CX-50
Length	177.0"	185.8"
Width	72.4"	75.6"
Height	60.6"	63.5"
Wheelbase	103.9"	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	196 hp	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed 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)	45/41 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	43 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	477.0/434.6 mi.	397.5/492.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.6 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.8 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 Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.1 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.9 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.3 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	225/50R18	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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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 UX and 2025 Mazda CX-50.

Which crossover will cost me less to run annually?

The 2025 Lexus UX will likely cost less at the pump due to its exceptional fuel economy advantage, netting 43 combined MPG versus the CX-50’s 28 combined MPG. However, the CX-50’s $6,240 lower starting MSRP might balance out long-term ownership costs.

Is the size difference between the Lexus UX and Mazda CX-50 noticeable inside?

Yes, the difference is quite substantial, especially for cargo. The CX-50 is significantly larger overall (185.8 inches long vs. 177.0 inches long) and provides 31.4 cu ft of cargo room compared to the UX’s 17.1 cu ft.

Does the Lexus UX use premium fuel?

No, both vehicles specify regular unleaded fuel, which keeps fueling costs reasonable for both options.

Which car is better equipped for snow or unpaved roads?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner here as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the Lexus UX is exclusively offered in Front-Wheel Drive configuration.

How does the horsepower difference translate to driving feel?

The Lexus UX technically has more horsepower at 196 hp versus the CX-50’s 187 hp, but the Mazda has superior torque (185 lb-ft) and a more traditional transmission setup, which might appeal more to driving enthusiasts than the UX's CVT.