2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a testament to Mazda's evolution into the luxury segment, rivaling brands like Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. Its exterior design borrowed elegance from smaller models like the CX-30 and CX-5, but with a more imposing presence due to its over 200-inch length. The SUV's big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels, complemented by tasteful chrome trim, made it stand out. Inside, the top-tier models offered a luxurious experience with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, rivaling even the BMW X5 in terms of interior quality. The CX-90 was available in 11 different trims, with options ranging from the Turbo to the Turbo S, each offering a unique blend of style and comfort.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured exclusive design elements like an Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was often considered unremarkable, with its large front grille and rear haunches being the most notable features. The RX lineup included three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, but its overall design and performance were more about appearance than dynamic capability.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the Turbo S variant offered an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All models came with standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90's driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Off-Road—allowed for varied driving experiences, with Sport mode enhancing the engine's roar and performance. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 horsepower and offering a 26-mile all-electric range. Both models excelled in handling, with the CX-90's larger platform and double-wishbone suspension providing agility and composure through corners.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying powertrains. The RX 350h was the most efficient, with 246 horsepower and a hybrid system based on a 2.5-liter engine. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 horsepower and a 37-mile electric-only range. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, offering quick acceleration but lower fuel efficiency. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive damping, and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. However, its performance was more about straight-line speed than dynamic handling, with the drivetrain occasionally hesitating and the adaptive suspension producing unnatural sensations.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with lower trims seating eight and higher trims offering captain's chairs for seven or six passengers. The Turbo S models had a two-seat third row, providing slightly more cargo space. Total cargo capacity ranged from 74.2 to 75.2 cubic feet, depending on the seating arrangement. While the CX-90 improved on the CX-9's space, it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot. However, the interior was well-designed, with ample storage options, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space, with the RX 500h F Sport Performance offering snug front seats with enhanced bolstering. The rear seats were comfortable and spacious, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the interior offered practical storage solutions, some areas lacked refinement, such as the unlined rear center armrest storage.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 emphasized safety by minimizing 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 reduce distractions, the system's quirks often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless connectivity in higher trims, making it user-friendly despite its challenges.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with its high-tech features, though some expected items were optional. The RX 500h featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and a digital voice assistant. However, the unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the steering wheel controls were frustrating to use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. The top-spec Turbo S Premium Plus model also featured cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver support system. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's accolades.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) was standard, featuring forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The RX also offered Predictive Driving Assist and optional features like a surround-view camera. While LSS+ 3.0 worked well, some features, like Traffic Jam Assist, were unsettling, and the steering wheel controls for adaptive cruise control were frustrating. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS for occupant protection.