2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Lexus RX

$38,045 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Lexus RX often comes down to balancing luxury aspirations against tangible upfront savings. Buyers questioning whether premium badges are worth the cost need to look closely at the specs. The Mazda CX-90 undercuts the Lexus significantly, starting at just $38,045 compared to the RX's $49,725 MSRP, a difference of $11,680. Performance is similar, with the CX-90 offering slightly more muscle at 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque versus the RX's 275 hp and 317 lb-ft. Both achieve a 25 MPG combined rating, though the Mazda uses regular unleaded while the Lexus recommends premium. The CX-90 is also the physically larger vehicle at 200.8 inches long, yet surprisingly offers only 14.9 cu ft of cargo space, significantly less than the RX's 29.6 cu ft despite the RX being 8 inches shorter in length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 uses regular unleaded fuel, saving the daily commuter money compared to the Lexus's premium recommendation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers substantially more storage capacity at 29.6 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 delivers marginally higher output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90's starting MSRP of $38,045 is $11,680 less than the Lexus RX's starting price.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize the lowest possible entry price, saving $11,680 by choosing the $38,045 Mazda.
You prefer using readily available regular unleaded fuel instead of recommended premium fuel.
You appreciate the extra road presence provided by the CX-90's longer 200.8-inch body.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, as the RX provides 29.6 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
You prefer the efficiency benefits of front-wheel drive for highway commuting, as the RX comes standard with FWD.
You desire a slightly more efficient highway cruise, with the RX achieving 29 MPG highway versus 28 MPG for the Mazda.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Lexus RX
Length	200.8"	192.5"
Width	78.5"	75.6"
Height	68.2"	67.3"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	8-speed shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	17.8 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
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 Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	56.7 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	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	55.9 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	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Lexus RX.

Is the difference in fuel economy significant between the CX-90 and the RX?

No, both crossovers are rated for 25 MPG combined. However, the practical difference is the fuel type required; the CX-90 accepts regular unleaded, whereas the RX recommends premium, leading to higher running costs for the Lexus owner.

Which vehicle has better driving dynamics based on the specs provided?

Based purely on the numbers, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 edges out the competition with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both use an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the Mazda offers a slight power advantage.

Why is the Lexus RX significantly smaller if it has more cargo room?

The Lexus RX is 8 inches shorter in overall length (192.5 inches vs. 200.8 inches for the Mazda), yet it manages to provide nearly double the cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, suggesting a much more efficient interior packaging design.

What is the primary consideration if I am purchasing for a large family?

For families needing to maximize luggage or gear space, the Lexus RX is the clear winner due to its generous 29.6 cu ft of cargo area, which is crucial for road trips.

How much money can I save upfront by choosing the Mazda CX-90?

The price difference is substantial; the 2025 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,045, which is $11,680 less than the 2026 Lexus RX starting MSRP of $49,725.

Do both crossovers come standard with AWD?

No, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2026 Lexus RX, based on the provided specs, is listed with Front Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.