Mazda CX-30 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 was offered in eight trim levels, all featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The trims ranged from the S to the Turbo Premium Plus, with prices spanning from $27,870 to $39,395, including destination charges. The S Aire Edition, priced at $33,130, was noted for its premium appearance, with blacked-out exterior trim and white artificial leather upholstery. The Aero Gray paint provided a striking contrast with the black details, enhancing the upscale feel of the vehicle. Despite a steep learning curve with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, the CX-30's control layout was praised for its eventual ease of use.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, included the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and 22-inch wheels, adding to its distinctive look. The interior offered multiple color options, with the PHEV adding a unique dark brown called Peppercorn. While the cabin had ambient lighting and suede trim, the material quality was criticized for not meeting luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were seen as unnecessary, and the overall interior lacked the attention to detail expected in a luxury vehicle.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in its standard form. Turbocharged versions offered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD system provided a smooth driving experience, with fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg combined for the standard engine and 25 mpg for the turbo. The CX-30's engaging handling, aided by G-Vectoring Control Plus and a brake-based limited-slip differential, made it a fun and predictable drive, even off-road with its modest 8.0-inch ground clearance.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid, with a charge mode for battery replenishment. The ride was smooth and quiet, with a capable AWD system that adjusted power distribution as needed. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the brakes were firm and linear. The TX 550h+ was ideal for long road trips, providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 had some practical limitations, with small door openings and a tight back seat. The cargo area was also small, offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were comfortable but snug, and the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Storage space was adequate, with a roomy bin under the center armrest and sizable cupholders, but rear USB charging ports were lacking.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports. However, folding the second row flat was complicated, and the front seats lacked thigh support. The climate controls were mostly on-screen, but physical dials for temperature were appreciated. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with screen sizes ranging from 8.8 to 10.25 inches. It offered wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, depending on the trim. The system included Mazda Connected Services, but the native voice recognition was lacking. The touchscreen functionality was limited to smartphone integration, with the rest controlled via a center console knob.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, but some features were unpolished. Steering wheel controls were confusing, and the infotainment system occasionally switched from satellite radio to Apple CarPlay without reason. Smartphone connectivity was essential, as in-dash navigation required a subscription. The backup camera and Advanced Park system were highlights, and the vehicle offered ample charging options with seven USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 boasted impressive safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS. However, some driver assistance systems were inconsistent in certain conditions.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, but Proactive Driving Assist was often turned off due to its intrusive nature. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave it mixed scores in crash tests.