2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented itself as a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with significant design changes that included a lower stance, wider body, and longer wheelbase. Its broad-shouldered proportions were accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents, giving it a fresh and robust appearance. The Meridian Edition, in particular, enhanced its adventurous image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior maintained a pleasing design with high-quality materials and minimal piano black plastic, ensuring longevity in style. However, the CX-50's aspirations to elevate Mazda's brand image were not fully realized, as some features, like the manually adjustable passenger seat, reminded consumers of its traditional market positioning.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that aimed to impress with its exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design remained somewhat unremarkable, with its large grille and rear haunches being the most notable features. The RX Hybrid lineup offered three models, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiencies, but all shared a focus on luxury and comfort. The interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic choices, like the loud climate system fan, detracted from the overall experience. The RX Hybrid prioritized occupant comfort and practical cargo space, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a luxurious ride.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The base engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, focusing more on comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for everyday driving.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, starting with the RX 350h's 246 hp hybrid system. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid increased output to 304 hp, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h's performance was enhanced by a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and the Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km in testing. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic communication, making it less rewarding to drive enthusiastically.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded, trailing competitors in overall cargo capacity. The available power liftgate improved access, but the cargo area lacked functionality for rugged use. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, while snug, lacked long-term comfort, and the climate system's fan was notably loud. The rear seats offered ample room and comfort, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, with buttons to fold the second row, expanding capacity to 1,308 litres. However, the cargo cover hindered loading larger items, and the rear centre armrest storage lacked lining, causing potential noise issues.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims added wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface, while unconventional, was straightforward once acclimated, though it lacked excitement for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in technology, with features like digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h's 14-inch touchscreen was bright and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use while driving. The Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality, but the infotainment system occasionally experienced glitches.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS for frontal-impact occupant protection. The available surround-view camera was a valuable addition, though some features, like Traffic Jam Assist, raised privacy concerns.