2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which set it apart in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and lack of sharp angles gave it a sophisticated appearance that could easily be mistaken for an entry-level luxury SUV. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, the CX-5's design remained timeless and appealing. Inside, the CX-5 offered a blend of traditional and modern elements, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs provided a more intuitive and accessible experience for drivers.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that, despite its price, did not stand out visually. Its design was considered unremarkable, with only a few distinctive features like orange brake calipers and a large front grille. The RX Hybrid offered three models, each with varying power and efficiency. The interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, but the ergonomics of the controls were inconsistent. The RX Hybrid avoided the common single curved display, opting for a more traditional approach to digital instrumentation and infotainment systems.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing 256 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate power, accelerating to 96 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model was quicker, reaching the same speed in approximately 6 seconds. The CX-5 was known for its sporty driving dynamics, offering a firm yet comfortable ride and a quiet cabin that minimized road noise.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h models. The RX 350h was the most efficient, with 246 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 304 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 horsepower and accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned suspension and advanced AWD system, but its fuel efficiency was lower than expected. The RX 500h was capable on twisty roads but lacked the dynamic communication expected from a sporty SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was well-designed and refined, but it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. It offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,680 litres with the seats folded. While it provided adequate headroom and legroom, competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage offered more space. The CX-5 featured a user-friendly infotainment system controlled by a dial, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug but not very comfortable for long drives. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining and ventilation features. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was practical, but some compartments lacked lining, causing noise. The RX Hybrid's infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen and wireless connectivity options.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a dial, offering a user-friendly experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity in higher trims. The CX-5 featured a head-up display in premium trims and a 10-speaker Bose audio system in the top model. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen with a modern infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a conversational digital voice assistant and cloud-based navigation. The RX Hybrid's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most evaluations. It came standard with advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a 360-degree camera.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering services like automatic collision notification and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance features, including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS in certain tests. The RX Hybrid's safety features worked well, but some functions, like lane-change assist, were slow to respond.