2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a head-turner that pushed Mazda closer to luxury territory, rivaling some well-established names. While one might typically think of choosing BMW or Mercedes-Benz for an entry into the luxury SUV market, the CX-90 challenged this notion thoroughly. With a design language lifted and expanded from the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 models, the CX-90 stretched over 200 inches and delivered a commanding presence. Its wide-set front end, large grille, and chrome accents effortlessly combined to create an elegant and imposing appearance. Wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches added to its visual punch, making the vehicle appear both sleek and sturdy.

Inside, the Mazda CX-90 did not disappoint. The various trim levels provided an array of materials and design choices that could easily rival luxury brands. The top-tier models boasted brown suede upholstery, intricate wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits, achieving a delicate balance between luxury and affordability. The Mazda managed to stitch together sophistication with practicality exceedingly well.

The 2024 Lexus TX, built upon the Toyota Grand Highlander platform, came with its distinct luxury touch, differentiating enough to be a compelling option. Our test model, equipped in Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver-finish wheels, significantly bolstering its upscale image. Though the TX took a conservative approach to design, avoiding some of the flashiness in other Lexus models, this worked to its advantage by appealing to those who preferred subtle luxury.

Despite its toned-down design, which some might find bordering on anonymous, the TX aimed to capture a balanced market. The interior of our TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Though the dark Peppercorn interior combined with the black-grained trim may have been a bit too dark, the high-quality materials lived up to the Lexus badge.

Mazda’s big news in 2024 revolved around its introduction of two new powertrains for the CX-90. The first was its debut plug-in hybrid (PHEV), aiming to offer superior fuel economy and performance compared to the outgoing CX-9. The CX-90’s PHEV configuration combined a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, totaling 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Though its 26-mile all-electric range fell short of competitors like the 2023 Kia Sorento’s 32 miles, it rated 56 MPGe in combined driving and had a 490-mile total range.

The second option was an all-new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. In base form, the turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded spec in the Turbo S trim pushed these figures to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. AWD was standard across all CX-90 models, alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission. Three driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Off-Road—offered versatility, although the eight-speed transmission had occasional inconsistencies, particularly in Sport mode.

Mazda’s commitment to driving excellence extended to handling. The CX-90, built on a larger platform with a double-wishbone front suspension, handled corners impressively, offering a driving experience reminiscent of smaller vehicles. This characteristic was complemented by the thin, precise steering wheel, contributing to an engaging driving experience reminiscent of Mazda’s celebrated MX-5 Miata, despite the CX-90’s larger family-oriented format.

Lexus offered the TX 350 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. With 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, this engine was adequate for typical driving situations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. Despite this, the vehicle’s performance felt more substantial due to the engine’s torque delivery, although it was ultimately just adequate, marred by a grating engine note and some torque steer in the FWD model.

The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the older RX L’s 22 mpg but not exceedingly efficient. With AWD, fuel economy took a minor hit, though combined ratings remained unchanged. Still, the AWD version offered better traction, especially beneficial in adverse weather and eliminated the FWD’s torque steer.

The ride quality was commendable, with the TX 350 featuring a balanced suspension that provided road surface feedback while ensuring a comfortable ride. Steering was responsive and well-weighted, further enhancing its on-road performance. Despite our pre-production test car having a soft brake pedal, it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided various trims and seating configurations to suit different needs. Lower trims of the Turbo and PHEV models could seat up to eight passengers with three rows of seats. Mid-level trims replaced the second-row bench with captain’s chairs, offering seating for seven. The Turbo S trim varied, seating seven in the base configuration (2-3-2) and six in the more expensive Premium and Premium Plus trims.

Cargo space in the CX-90 was competitive but not class-leading. Models with the two-seat third row offered 75.2 cubic feet of total cargo space, with specific measurements being 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 40.1 cubic feet behind the second. With the three-across back seat, it provided 74.2 cubic feet overall, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 40 cubic feet behind the second. While better than the previous CX-9 (which offered 14.4, 38.2, and 71.2 cubic feet), the CX-90 still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

Storage solutions in the CX-90 were plentiful, with large center consoles, door pockets, and well-placed cupholders, contributing to a practical yet luxurious cabin experience.

The Lexus TX addressed past shortcomings by creating a genuinely spacious three-row SUV. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, and optional heating and ventilation for the front and second-row seats, along with a heated steering wheel.

The third-row seat in the TX finally provided ample space for adults. However, accommodating third-row passengers by sliding the second-row seat forward slightly compromised second-row comfort. Despite this trade-off, the TX’s third row was a significant improvement over previous models like the RX L and offered better affordability than the GX and LX models.

Storage options in the TX were numerous, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise depending on stored items. The front center armrest design, while well-intentioned, presented a narrow opening when raising just one half. Cargo capacity was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and an impressive 97 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded.

Mazda emphasized reducing distractions with its technology offerings for the CX-90. The infotainment system featured the Mazda Connect software, operated via a rotary control knob and hard buttons on the center console, deliberately avoiding a touchscreen to minimize distractions. While the rotary knob was satisfying to use, the system’s complexity often resulted in more distraction than anticipated.

However, personalization software in the CX-90 utilized facial recognition for automatic adjustments to seats, mirrors, and HUD settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also available in higher trims, offering a more familiar touchscreen interface for these systems.

The Lexus TX, with its optional Technology Package, included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the replacement of well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose controls distracted drivers, particularly when the head-up display was challenging to see with polarized sunglasses.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display and a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, adding a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated, enhancing user experience.

Additional subscriptions, including a 10-year free trial to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and optional Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, provided extensive functionality.

Our test vehicle’s 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

Mazda’s i-Activsense suite came standard on every CX-90, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and smart brake support with front-crossing and turn-across-traffic identification. Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist were also standard. Higher trims added cruising and traffic support, seamlessly combining lane-centering with adaptive cruise control.

Though crash-test results for the 2024 CX-90 were not available, it was expected to perform well based on the high safety ratings of the previous CX-9.

The Lexus TX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, among others. Proactive Drive Assist was part of this package, but its functionality proved inconsistent.

Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist further enhanced safety.

Traffic jam assist allowed hands-free driving at low speeds on limited-access highways, working effectively during testing. However, the system’s response to other vehicles cutting in was too dramatic, slowing the TX excessively and causing inconvenience.