2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a study in subtlety and sophistication. From the outside, the RX 350h Luxury model was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterpart, save for a discreet badge on the liftgate. Its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels added a touch of elegance without overtly advertising its hybrid nature. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, made a bolder statement with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling cues, signaling its performance-oriented design. Inside, the RX Hybrid embraced a minimalist aesthetic, with the RX 350h Luxury featuring luxurious Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance opted for a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum accents.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 exuded a sense of grandeur and refinement, drawing inspiration from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, but on a larger scale. Its imposing presence was marked by a prominent grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels, ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The CX-90's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to luxury, with top-tier models boasting brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90 offered a range of trims and seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers, with the Turbo S models providing a more exclusive six-seat arrangement. Despite its size, the CX-90 maintained a delicate design language and comfortable layout, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of elegance and practicality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h delivering 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It promised a fuel-efficient ride, with an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving, although real-world testing averaged 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance took things up a notch with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in a brisk 5.9 seconds, thanks to its Direct4 AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system contributed to its athleticism, making it a joy to drive, especially in Sport mode.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The CX-90 Turbo S, with its upgraded 3.3-liter I6 engine, delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. All CX-90 models featured standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Turbo S offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with Sport mode enhancing the engine's roar and performance. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile steering, providing a dynamic driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality. The RX 350h Luxury model featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power adjustment and larger side bolsters. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was somewhat limited. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided versatility with its array of trims and seating configurations. Lower-level models could seat eight passengers, while mid-level trims offered captain's chairs for a seven-seat arrangement. The Turbo S models featured a two-seat configuration in the third row, with the Premium and Premium Plus trims seating six. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating configuration, with up to 75.2 cubic feet available in models with a two-seater third row. The CX-90's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a pleasant environment for passengers.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required a subscription for full functionality. It offered features like cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though some quirks, such as limited screen views and reflections, were noted. The available head-up display (HUD) added convenience, but its functionality was hindered by polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's complexity sometimes led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, allowing for seamless adjustments to driver preferences. It also supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls available for these systems.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less intuitive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 boasted i-Activsense, a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90's cruising and traffic support system provided hands-on driver assistance, maintaining lane position effectively. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well, given the accolades received by its predecessor.