2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 presented a distinctive design, characterized by an abundance of charcoal-coloured plastic cladding on its lower body, which some found excessive. Despite this, the crossover maintained an overall appealing aesthetic with its short overhangs, long and low hood, and sculpted flanks. The rakish roofline and squat greenhouse added to its sporty appearance, and the option for black wheels catered to specific tastes. Inside, the CX-30 offered an interior that felt a class above, with style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly in the RX 500h F Sport Black Line trim, was a $90,000 SUV that, despite its price, did not stand out visually. The exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers added some flair, but the overall design was considered unremarkable. The RX had always struggled with its aesthetic appeal, though the current generation was more palatable depending on the version and colour/wheel combination. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, the ergonomics of the controls varied, with some being intuitive and others baffling. The RX avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior design.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, though it required premium fuel for optimal performance. The power delivery was smooth, building up to a crescendo rather than offering immediate acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was a downside, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km, significantly higher than the expected 9.3 L/100 km. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models, with the RX 350h being the least powerful at 246 hp but the most efficient. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated AWD system. However, its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h offered quick acceleration and a pleasant sound but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior was marked by deft design, quality materials, and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a favourite, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to operate. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a splash of colour. However, the interior space was cramped, especially in the back seat. The cargo volume was 572 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h'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 offered power-reclining, heated, and ventilated options. The RX provided ample room for adults in the back seat. The cargo space was 838 litres, expandable to 1,308 litres with the second row folded. However, the cargo cover could obstruct loading full-size suitcases.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction involved static displays and a combination of controls, but the lack of natural voice recognition was a limitation. The CX-30 included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a conversational digital voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and cloud-based navigation. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS for occupant protection.