Mazda CX-50 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a range of models, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid, with various trim levels such as Select, Preferred, and the new Meridian Edition. The top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured new white leather seats and a retractable cargo cover, bringing its price to $44,920. The CX-50's design was wide and low-slung, resembling a lifted wagon more than an SUV, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Its sporty styling, flared fenders, and appealing paint colors, including the new Cypress green, added to its visual appeal. The white leather interior, paired with 20-inch silver wheels, provided a classy contrast against the black dashboard and center console, though the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches.

Inside, the CX-50's cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials and tasteful metallic accents. However, the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve, and the center air vent integration was awkward. The partially digital gauges were clear, and most controls were user-friendly. Despite these minor drawbacks, the CX-50's interior was a step above many of its competitors, offering a refined and sophisticated environment for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid, featured a few updates for the model year. The 550h+ now came with a standard panoramic glass roof and the new Matador Red Mica paint option. Most models sported 20-inch wheels, while the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The TX retained its large grille, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Inside, the TX offered two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown Peppercorn option. Ambient lighting and suede trim enhanced the cabin's warmth, though the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards.

Lexus redesigned the door handles, opting for pressure-sensitive exterior handles and push-button interior handles. While innovative, this feature seemed unnecessary, and more attention to cabin detail would have been appreciated. Despite these quirks, the TX provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room in the third row and thoughtful features like cupholders and USB-C ports for each seat. The TX's design and features made it a practical choice for families seeking a roomy and versatile vehicle.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD), available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid forms. The base 2.5 S produced 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offering Normal, Sport, and Off-Road driving modes. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined and could tow up to 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged version delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, real-world fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 22.1 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The CX-50 Hybrid, rated at 38 mpg combined, utilized Toyota-sourced components, including an Atkinson-cycle engine and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It produced 219 hp, with electric motor torque providing a sprightly feel from a stop, though mid-range passing power was lacking. The hybrid's tow rating was 1,500 pounds. The CX-50's steering was crisp and responsive, with a firm suspension that provided excellent body control but could be stiff over speed bumps. The Meridian Edition, with all-terrain tires, was best suited for off-roading, though the CX-50 excelled in on-road driving and inclement weather conditions.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model generating 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid, however, delivered an impressive 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX provided multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The 550h+ offered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power, and a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes with ease.

The TX's AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for wet and slippery surfaces. The 550h+ was ideal for long road trips, offering a comfortable and composed ride. While the Sport mode increased throttle sensitivity, the TX 550h+ was not designed as a sports car, with the 500h hybrid offering better handling with adaptive suspension and rear steering. Overall, the TX provided a versatile and enjoyable driving experience, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered easier entry and exit compared to a sedan, though it sat lower than many crossovers, affecting visibility. The front seats were firm, with power-adjustable settings, heating, and ventilation, though the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with generous foot room and comfortable backrest angles. Storage space was decent, though Mazda missed opportunities for improvement, with limited rear-seat storage and small door panel storage areas. The cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, with excellent heating functions and versatile cupholders. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured clear gauge displays and a 7-inch screen for data panels. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen offered sophisticated graphics and logical menus, with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system required acclimation, with a control knob and buttons on the center console. Alexa built-in and a Mazda Connect voice assistant were available, though the latter struggled with basic commands. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system available. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were included in higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled volume and adaptive cruise control, with functions displayed on the 12.3-inch gauge cluster. 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 provided a clear view, with an available Advanced Park system for automated parking. The TX offered ample charging options, with seven USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered on the go.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with the i-Activesense suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Premium models added traffic-sign recognition and speed-limit assist, while higher trims included an adaptive front lighting system and a surround-view camera. The CX-50 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though it earned a Poor rating in a new whiplash prevention test.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured the Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering if the vehicle approached another car or pedestrian too closely. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating in its small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" rating for the passenger's side.