2025 Lexus UX vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the nimble 2025 Lexus UX and the robust 2026 Mazda CX-90 presents a classic efficiency versus power dilemma. If your priority is keeping fuel costs down, the Lexus UX is the undisputed champion, offering a remarkable 43 combined MPG, dwarfing the CX-90’s 25 combined MPG—an 18 MPG difference. However, if you need capability, the Mazda boasts a substantial 280 hp, blowing past the UX’s 196 hp. Size matters too; the UX is significantly smaller at 177.0 inches long, making it superb for tight city parking, while the 200.8-inch CX-90 offers more presence. Even with the better fuel economy, the UX has less cargo room at 17.1 cu ft versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft, which is surprising but highlights the Lexus's compact design focus. Ultimately, your driving habits dictate the winner here.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX wins for daily commuting due to its superior 43 combined MPG and smaller 177.0-inch footprint for easier city navigation.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The larger 200.8-inch Mazda CX-90 and standard All-Wheel Drive are better suited for family hauling needs than the compact UX.
2026 Mazda CX-90
With 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the CX-90 provides significantly more performance capability than the 196 hp Lexus UX.
2025 Lexus UX
Despite the lower MSRP of $36,740, the UX saves owners thousands immediately through its excellent 43 MPG efficiency.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- You commute primarily alone and prioritize fuel savings, achieving 45 MPG in the city.
- You need a smaller vehicle that is easier to maneuver and park, measuring only 177.0 inches long.
- You prefer lower running costs since it runs on regular unleaded and has vastly better fuel economy.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You need maximum power, utilizing the 280 hp engine and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive and a larger 200.8-inch frame.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a more traditional automatic transmission (8-speed shiftable) over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus UX | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 200.8" |
| Width | 72.4" | 78.5" |
| Height | 60.6" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 196 hp | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed 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) | 45/41 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 477.0/434.6 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 18.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/50R18 | 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. |
| 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Is the Lexus UX really 18 MPG more efficient than the Mazda CX-90?
Yes, based on the EPA estimates, the Lexus UX delivers 43 combined MPG while the Mazda CX-90 achieves 25 combined MPG, resulting in a significant 18 MPG difference for daily driving.
How much more powerful is the CX-90 compared to the UX?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers a substantial performance advantage, putting out 280 hp versus the 2025 Lexus UX’s 196 hp, providing an 84 hp boost.
Which crossover is better for carrying lots of gear?
Surprisingly, the smaller Lexus UX offers slightly more dedicated cargo space at 17.1 cu ft compared to the larger Mazda CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, though the CX-90 is longer overall.
Are either of these cars expensive to fuel?
Both recommend regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep initial fill-up costs reasonable; however, the UX’s high efficiency means lower lifetime fuel expenditure despite the similar fuel grade.
What is the main size difference for city driving?
The Lexus UX is considerably more compact, measuring 177.0 inches long and 72.4 inches wide, making it easier to handle in tight urban environments than the much larger 200.8-inch Mazda CX-90.
Does the difference in MSRP reflect the features?
The Mazda CX-90 has a slightly higher MSRP of $38,800 versus the Lexus UX's $36,740. The Mazda justifies its higher price with more power and standard AWD, while the Lexus focuses heavily on efficiency.
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