2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Lexus RX

$30,500 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 bursts onto the scene offering rugged style and accessible performance, starting at a tempting $30,500 MSRP while delivering a respectable 187 hp from its standard engine. In sharp contrast, the 2026 Lexus RX enters the arena as a powerhouse luxury contender, commanding $49,725 but rewarding drivers with a robust 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. This leaves a significant $19,225 gap in entry price and an 88 hp advantage favoring the Lexus. While the CX-50 achieves slightly better efficiency with 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded, the larger RX (192.5 inches long) prioritizes refinement and power. The CX-50 leverages its standard All-Wheel Drive grip against the RX's FWD setup, positioning the Mazda as the agile, value-focused adventurer versus the premium, high-horsepower luxury cruiser.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating and lower operating cost starting price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The larger 2026 Lexus RX, being 6.7 inches taller and offering more horsepower, provides a more commanding and spacious feel for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is the enthusiast choice, boasting 88 more horsepower and 132 lb-ft more torque than the CX-50.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

With an $19,225 lower MSRP, the Mazda CX-50 offers significantly better value proposition right off the line.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Your budget ceiling is near $30,500, as the CX-50 starts significantly lower.
You prefer maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the RX's 25 MPG.
You value standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the gate for varied conditions.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You need premium performance derived from 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
You desire a larger vehicle, as the RX measures 192.5 inches in length compared to the CX-50’s 185.8 inches.
You are comfortable using premium unleaded fuel to access the higher power output.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Lexus RX
Length	185.8"	192.5"
Width	75.6"	75.6"
Height	63.5"	67.3"
Wheelbase	110.8"	112.2"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	8-speed shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.8 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
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 Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	56.7 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	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more powerful is the 2026 Lexus RX compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-50?

The Lexus RX holds a substantial advantage in output, producing 275 hp versus the CX-50's 187 hp, giving it 88 more horsepower for spirited driving. This power difference is further highlighted by the RX’s torque figure of 317 lb-ft compared to the Mazda’s 185 lb-ft.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

Yes, the Mazda CX-50 is more efficient, achieving 28 combined MPG while utilizing regular unleaded gasoline. The 2026 Lexus RX trails slightly at 25 combined MPG and mandates premium fuel.

Which vehicle offers better utility based on cargo space and size?

The Mazda CX-50 offers slightly more maximum cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet, although the Lexus RX is physically a larger vehicle overall in length and height. The CX-50 is narrower, potentially making parking easier.

What is the primary reason for the significant price difference between these two crossovers?

The $19,225 MSRP difference stems primarily from the Lexus RX's positioning as a luxury vehicle, evidenced by its higher horsepower output (275 hp vs. 187 hp) and inclusion of premium interior materials implied by the brand segment.

How do the drive types affect performance characteristics?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, often benefiting stability in low-traction situations. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus RX is specified with Front Wheel Drive for its base configuration.

Does the transmission type significantly differentiate these models?

The Lexus RX utilizes a more modern 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, potentially offering smoother shifting and better utilization of its higher power. The Mazda CX-50 sticks with a tried-and-true 6-speed unit.