2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Lexus NX

$38,045 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Lexus NX lies in fuel efficiency, where the Lexus delivers a remarkable 40 MPG combined versus the Mazda's 25 MPG combined, a 15 MPG advantage. However, the CX-90 counters with a substantial power lead, producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 240 hp. This performance differential is reflected in their starting MSRPs, with the CX-90 priced at $38,045 against the NX's $44,175, representing a $6,130 initial cost saving. Furthermore, the CX-90 is a physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, though the smaller Lexus offers superior cargo volume at 22.7 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. These metrics establish a clear trade-off between efficiency/maneuverability (Lexus) and power/size (Mazda).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX is the winner for commuters due to its substantially higher combined fuel economy rating of 40 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers greater exterior dimensions (200.8 inches long) and standard all-wheel drive, beneficial for passenger utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides superior output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Lexus NX's 240 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 secures the value verdict by offering $6,130 lower MSRP while also delivering significantly more horsepower and standard AWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Your priority is maximizing power output, evidenced by its 280 hp rating.
You require a lower initial purchase price, starting $6,130 less than the competitor at $38,045.
Standard all-wheel drive capability is necessary, as the CX-90 includes it while the NX is FWD standard.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, indicated by the 40 MPG combined rating versus 25 MPG.
You prioritize maximum interior storage, as the NX provides 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
A smaller footprint is preferred for urban maneuverability, as the NX is 17.3 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Lexus NX
Length	200.8"	183.5"
Width	78.5"	73.4"
Height	68.2"	66.1"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	—
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate 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	10
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
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	39.7 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	56.3 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 Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
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	39.3 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2026 Lexus NX.

What is the primary performance difference between the CX-90 and the NX?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 holds a definitive power advantage, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its engine. The 2026 Lexus NX produces 240 horsepower, giving the Mazda a 40 hp lead for acceleration and towing capability.

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

The Lexus NX has an MSRP of $44,175, which is exactly $6,130 more than the Mazda CX-90's starting price of $38,045. This significant price gap must be weighed against the NX's superior fuel economy.

Which vehicle is more efficient for daily driving?

The Lexus NX is significantly more efficient, achieving 40 MPG combined versus the Mazda CX-90's 25 MPG combined. Commuters prioritizing mileage will strongly favor the NX's 15 MPG advantage.

Do both crossovers come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the drive types differ fundamentally; the Mazda CX-90 comes standard with all-wheel drive. The 2026 Lexus NX lists front-wheel drive as its standard configuration.

How do the cargo capacities compare between these two crossovers?

Despite being the smaller vehicle overall, the 2026 Lexus NX offers greater cargo capacity at 22.7 cubic feet compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. This indicates the Lexus maximizes interior space relative to its external footprint.

Is there a difference in fuel type requirement?

Yes, the Mazda CX-90 accepts regular unleaded fuel, which generally offers cost savings at the pump. The Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon.