2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Lexus NX

$30,500 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Lexus NX is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Mazda starting at $30,500 compared to the Lexus's $44,175, a difference of $13,675. Performance metrics are also distinct; the NX offers a notable 240 hp output versus the CX-50's 187 hp. This power advantage comes with efficiency trade-offs: the CX-50 achieves a combined 28 MPG on regular unleaded, whereas the NX reaches an impressive combined 40 MPG, albeit requiring premium fuel. Dimensionally, the CX-50 is slightly longer at 185.8 inches but offers significantly more cargo space (31.4 cu ft vs. 22.7 cu ft). The drivetrain setup also varies, with the standard CX-50 utilizing AWD while the standard NX features FWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its substantially higher 40 combined MPG rating and FWD configuration, which is often favored in urban driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the family choice because it provides 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the NX's 22.7 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX appeals more to enthusiasts with its superior 240 horsepower output compared to the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 presents better value by offering a lower MSRP of $30,500 while providing standard All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize cargo space, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.
Your budget is under $32,000, given the CX-50's $30,500 base MSRP.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive and the ability to run on regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel economy is paramount, demonstrated by the NX's superior 40 combined MPG rating.
You require higher performance metrics, evidenced by the 240 hp engine versus the CX-50's 187 hp.
You are willing to pay the $13,675 price premium for features associated with the Lexus badge and higher output.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Lexus NX
Length	185.8"	183.5"
Width	75.6"	73.4"
Height	63.5"	66.1"
Wheelbase	110.8"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	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	Mazda	Lexus
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	10
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	Mazda	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
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

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P225/65R17	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Lexus NX.

How does the power difference between the two crossovers impact driving dynamics?

The 2026 Lexus NX has 53 more horsepower, producing 240 hp, suggesting quicker acceleration compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-50's 187 hp. However, the CX-50 has a slight edge in torque density with 185 lb-ft versus the NX's unstated torque figure (implied to be lower based on lower base power).

Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway travel regarding fuel consumption?

The 2026 Lexus NX is statistically better for highway efficiency, rating 38 MPG Highway compared to the CX-50's 31 MPG Highway. This 7 MPG advantage results in fewer refueling stops on long journeys.

What are the tangible differences in size and maneuverability?

The Mazda CX-50 is marginally longer at 185.8 inches, but the Lexus NX is narrower (73.4 inches vs. 75.6 inches), potentially making the NX easier to navigate in tight city parking situations.

Is the higher price of the Lexus NX justified by the standard features?

The NX commands a $13,675 higher MSRP ($44,175 vs $30,500) and utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with FWD, while the CX-50 offers a traditional 6-speed automatic and standard AWD.

How much more gear can the Mazda CX-50 carry compared to the Lexus NX?

The CX-50 provides a significant advantage in cargo volume, holding 31.4 cubic feet versus the NX's 22.7 cubic feet, offering nearly 9 cubic feet more storage capacity.

Do both vehicles require the same fuel grade?

No, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 uses regular unleaded gasoline, contributing to its lower running costs, whereas the 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded fuel.