2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV category, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an understated elegance. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of vibrancy. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured a unique Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these distinctive elements, the RX Hybrid's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, but its design was heavily dependent on the chosen version and color/wheel combination.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, though it wasn't intended for serious off-road use. The powertrain, shared with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offered a 0-60 mph time between 7.5 and 8 seconds, slightly slower than the CX-50 Turbo. The driving experience was enhanced by a sportier suspension, providing engaging handling and minimal body roll. However, the firmer ride quality meant more road bumps were felt, though it remained smooth and quiet on highways.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the least powerful but most efficient. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, while the RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and advanced all-wheel-drive system, providing quick acceleration and a rewarding drivetrain. However, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, and the adaptive suspension didn't fully control body motions, leading to a less communicative driving experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered enjoyable driving dynamics but fell short in practicality and space compared to competitors. While front seat space was ample, rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo space was limited to 29.2 cubic feet, less than the non-hybrid CX-50 and class average. Despite this, the space was usable for daily needs, aided by a power liftgate and underfloor storage.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though they became uncomfortable over long drives. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though this was limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50's technology seemed dated but practical for some users. Its 10.25-inch infotainment system was controlled by a center console dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a basic eight-speaker setup to a 12-speaker Bose system on premium trims.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with 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. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. However, steering wheel controls were distracting, and the system experienced occasional glitches. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, which received four stars. The non-hybrid 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, all functioning smoothly during testing.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, but IIHS rated it poorly in frontal-impact tests. The optional Convenience Package added a surround-view camera, enhancing safety during testing.