2026 Lexus RX vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$49,725 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the refined Lexus RX and the aggressively priced Mazda CX-90 often comes down to balancing luxury aspirations against practical budget constraints. The initial sticker shock is significant: the 2026 Lexus RX starts at $49,725, while the 2026 Mazda CX-90 undercuts it dramatically at $38,800, creating a $10,925 gap. Performance figures are surprisingly close, with the CX-90 boasting slightly more power at 280 horsepower versus the RX’s 275 hp, and the Mazda delivering more torque at 332 lb-ft to the Lexus’s 317 lb-ft. Fuel economy is a wash, both achieving 25 MPG combined, though the RX requires premium fuel while the CX-90 runs on regular. While the RX is slightly smaller overall in length (192.5 inches vs. 200.8 inches for the CX-90), the Lexus compensates with nearly double the usable storage, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers a slightly more city-friendly footprint and potentially smoother low-speed ride associated with its luxury tuning, despite both having a 25 MPG combined rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX provides significantly more practical storage space, offering 29.6 cu ft compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins marginally due to its higher output of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, along with standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers a $10,925 lower MSRP while achieving the same 25 MPG combined rating and running on cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize maximum cargo volume and need 29.6 cu ft for trips and daily hauling.
You prefer the established luxury experience and refinement of the Lexus brand starting at $49,725.
You value the slight advantage in fuel efficiency during highway cruising (29 MPG Highway vs. 28 MPG).

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Saving over $10,000 is crucial, as the CX-90 starts at a much lower $38,800 MSRP.
You want slightly higher engine output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability and the ability to use regular unleaded gasoline.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Mazda CX-90
Length	192.5"	200.8"
Width	75.6"	78.5"
Height	67.3"	68.3"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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 Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mazda
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.
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 2026 Lexus RX and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How much more cargo space does the Lexus RX actually offer over the Mazda CX-90?

The Lexus RX is the clear winner for storage here, boasting 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 offers significantly less usable space at only 14.9 cubic feet, which is a major practical difference for families.

Is the extra cost of the Lexus RX justified by better fuel economy?

Not significantly, as both vehicles achieve a 25 MPG combined rating. The Lexus does lead slightly on the highway with 29 MPG versus the CX-90's 28 MPG, but you must also factor in the Lexus's requirement for premium unleaded fuel, which raises running costs.

Which crossover is technically more powerful, the RX or the CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 has the minor edge in raw output, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Lexus RX’s 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Both use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

What is the main reason the CX-90 is less expensive than the RX?

The primary difference is the brand positioning and materials, reflected in the substantial $10,925 starting price gap. Additionally, the Mazda comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base Lexus RX listed starts in Front Wheel Drive configuration.

If I drive exclusively in the city, does one car have a big advantage?

The Mazda CX-90 is rated for slightly better city mileage at 23 MPG compared to the Lexus RX’s 22 MPG city rating. However, the RX is slightly smaller in length (192.5 inches vs 200.8 inches), which might make parking easier.

Do both crossovers require expensive fuel?

No, this is a practical differentiator; the 2026 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, offering everyday savings.