2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a stark contrast to its predecessor, the 2023 GX 460, with its bold geometric styling that replaced the softer, rounded corners of the older model. The redesigned midsize SUV featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive front end. The flat hood, with its distinctive humps above the front wheels, enhanced driver visibility, especially during off-road adventures. The GX's side profile appeared as if carved from a solid block of metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to aid visibility. The rear design maintained a horizontal path, with standard running boards completing the look. In Canada, the GX was available in a single trim with five packages, each catering to different preferences, from luxury to off-roading.

The interior of the 2024 Lexus GX combined luxury with practicality, featuring heated and ventilated front seats and a large 14-inch touchscreen display. The dashboard was flat and upright, with physical controls for off-road features and climate control. The GX offered a blend of luxury and utilitarian materials, making it less lavish than some competitors but well-prepared for rugged use. The Overtrail packages focused on off-roading, with features like 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. Overall, the third-generation Lexus GX was a premium SUV designed for durability and versatility.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxurious aura with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive torque at low revs, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and the standard full-time four-wheel drive system included a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. During testing, the GX demonstrated excellent acceleration and braking, with a composed on-road performance despite its size.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, available in standard and high-output versions. The standard-output model produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a firm suspension that enhanced driving dynamics.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, featuring a minimalist and sophisticated design with fewer physical buttons. The first and second rows offered ample space for six-foot-tall adults, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 millimetres in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was best suited for children due to its limited legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 1,291 litres of total space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests. The third row was accessible via long rear doors, but it was best suited for children on longer trips. The CX-90's storage options were limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and a maximum of 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dashboard, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant for navigation, climate control, and stereo commands. The Drive Connect subscription service required a paid subscription in Canada, while Remote Connect offered remote locking, unlocking, and vehicle diagnostics with a three-year trial. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons for operation. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant upgrades in safety features, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in the GX's safety.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, although it had some limitations in certain scenarios. Despite some minor annoyances, the CX-90's safety features met expectations.