Mazda CX-5 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 continued to impress with its striking design, showcasing Mazda's evolved Kodo design language, "Wearable Gear." This gave the CX-5 a more sculpted and purposeful appearance, with a Signature Wing grille seamlessly flowing into new LED headlights and angular rear lighting that tied it visually to Mazda's larger models. The new "MAZDA" script badge across the rear added to its upscale look. However, the wheel designs were a letdown, with the base 17-inch wheels appearing small on the larger body and the 19-inch options lacking intricate detailing. Inside, the CX-5 maintained Mazda's reputation for high-quality interiors, featuring a clean dashboard design, a prominent central touchscreen, and a driver-focused cockpit. The materials were mostly premium, with soft-touch surfaces and leather seating on higher trims, though some hard plastics detracted from the overall upscale feel.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels and powertrains, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid standing out with its standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior retained a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the rear featured LED lighting and a small roof spoiler. Inside, the TX provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats, but the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, while the second row offered captain's chairs with a removable center console. However, folding the second row flat was cumbersome, and the front seats lacked thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5's performance was hampered by its sole powertrain option, a carryover SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine felt underpowered for the vehicle's 3,856-pound weight, resulting in a sluggish 0-60 time of 9.6 seconds. The transmission struggled with responsiveness, especially on inclines, and the absence of the previous generation's turbocharged engine was notable. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 excelled in handling, with direct steering, well-managed body roll, and a sense of agility. Ride quality was firm yet comfortable, and improved insulation reduced road and wind noise. However, its fuel efficiency lagged behind competitors, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 combined mpg.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more powerful performance, with the plug-in hybrid 550h+ generating 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The seven-kilowatt charger provided a full battery in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, along with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The 550h+ delivered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode enhanced traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's suspension absorbed bumps effectively, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5's dimensional growth translated into a more spacious interior, with a 4.5-inch wheelbase stretch improving rear knee clearance by 2.3 inches to 33.7 inches. Rear headroom was a standout feature, offering 40.2 inches without the sunroof, the best in its class. Front legroom matched the segment at 41.3 inches, while rear legroom was competitive at 39.1 inches. Cargo space improved to 38 cubic feet behind the second row and 70 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Practical touches included a standard rearview camera, roof rails, and a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims. However, towing capacity decreased to 1,500 pounds, trailing competitors.

The 2026 Lexus TX provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, while the second row offered captain's chairs with a removable center console. However, folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing towing capability.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 featured a significant infotainment upgrade, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen on most trims and a 15.6-inch unit on the Premium Plus. Google built-in was standard, offering native Google Maps, a voice assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though its execution was lacking. The absence of a physical volume knob was a drawback, and the climate control interface was not intuitive. Higher trims added a Bose audio system, SiriusXM, and advanced safety features.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues arose. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The backup camera was clear, and the Advanced Park system was available. The TX offered ample charging options, with seven USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive standard safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, and more. The Premium Plus trim added advanced features like an adaptive front-lighting system and a 360-degree View Monitor. While crash test results were pending, the outgoing model had a strong safety record, and expectations were high for the new model.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane centering, and more. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. NHTSA ratings for the 550h+ were unavailable, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. IIHS ratings were mixed, with an "Acceptable" score for the driver's side small overlap front crash test and "Good" for the passenger's side.