2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. Depending on the variant, trim levels included Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus, with pricing ranging from $39,575 to $59,480. The 3.3 Turbo test vehicle featured Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $51,450. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and design elements contributed to a low, long, athletic look.

Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its competitive price, the cabin felt upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs, offering a terrific look and feel.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000. It featured exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers, but its overall appearance was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power and efficiency. The RX 350h offered 246 horsepower and 36 mpg, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 27 mpg. The RX 450h+ provided an estimated 37 miles of electric-only range and 35 mpg.

All RX models came with standard all-wheel drive, and trim levels varied across the lineup. The RX 500h was available in F Sport Performance and Black Line Special Edition trims. The RX's interior featured quality materials and ambient lighting, though some controls were baffling. Lexus avoided the single curved display trend, opting for a more traditional layout. The RX Hybrid's interior was contemporary, with practical storage and comfortable seating, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a luxury SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo drivetrain lacked refinement, which was disappointing given the typically smooth operation of inline-six engines. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models, while the Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially during cold starts. Unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior were noted, along with unwanted engine surge and acceleration. Noise and impact harshness were also issues, detracting from the upscale impression. However, the CX-90 excelled in handling, with a firm suspension that provided excellent road feedback. Switching between driving modes revealed the dynamic character Mazda is known for, though the CX-90's drivetrain flaws were a drawback.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque from a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 6.2-second zero-to-60 time, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h's sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Direct4 all-wheel-drive system enhanced performance.

The RX 500h's drivetrain was powerful and rewarding, though not fuel-efficient, averaging 20.9 mpg. The adaptive damping suspension provided a firm ride, but communication between the road and driver was filtered, making it difficult to discern dynamic limits. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked overall dynamic capability. The RX Hybrid's performance was more about sporty appearance than driving satisfaction, with room for improvement in communication between driver and machine.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently, despite the unseasonably cool California summer. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, front-seat ventilation was ineffective. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating, though seat-track travel was limited. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults.

The CX-90's interior storage was limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded. Maximum cargo volume was 74.2 cubic feet, small for the segment. The CX-90's design prioritized aesthetics over functionality, with limited storage options and a snug third row.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which featured optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated seats. The RX provided ample room for adults, making the back seat comfortable.

Interior storage was practical, with an illuminated shelf under the air vents. However, the rear center armrest storage lacked lining, causing noise. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row created 46.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, limited for a midsize SUV. The RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality, though cargo space was modest.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a traditional design with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and a new Google Built-in infotainment system was anticipated for future models.

The CX-90's 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system visually alerted drivers to vehicles in blind spots. While the technology was functional, the CX-90's infotainment system felt outdated compared to rivals, with room for improvement in voice recognition and user interface.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury vehicle expectations with its technology offerings. However, some features, such as digital key functionality and a camera-based digital rearview mirror, were optional. The 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel was traditional, but the unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a volume knob and climate control dials. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. The Drive Connect plan offered a cloud-based navigation system and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, though steering wheel controls were frustrating. Overall, the RX Hybrid's technology was advanced, but some features were optional, and steering wheel controls were problematic.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was highly regarded for safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system.

Cruising and Traffic Support was available on higher trims, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. While effective, the system's speed reduction feature was irritating. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, with effective lane-keeping technologies and a comprehensive list of safety features. However, the abundance of warning chimes was a minor annoyance.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and roadside assistance for up to ten years. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid's Predictive Driving Assist monitored progress and ensured safe following distances.

The optional Convenience Package included a surround-view camera, which was valuable during testing. LSS+ 3.0 performed well, though Traffic Jam Assist's request to record the driver was unsettling. Lane-change assist was slow, and adjusting adaptive cruise control settings was frustrating due to steering wheel controls. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in frontal-impact tests.