2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an understated elegance. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of vibrancy. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that, despite its price, had an unremarkable exterior. The Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers added some flair, but the overall design was dependent on the version and colour/wheel combination. The RX Hybrid offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, but its design was more about straight-line acceleration than dynamic capability. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic features were less than ideal.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, though it wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The powertrain, shared with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, provided a reliable and efficient performance. Acceleration was expected to reach 100 km/h in 7.5 to 8 seconds, similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning offered engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride quality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance levels. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the most efficient but least powerful. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, offering a rewarding drivetrain but lacking in fuel efficiency. Despite its capabilities, the RX 500h's dynamic limits were hard to discern, and its performance was more about appearance than overall satisfaction.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample front seat space, but rear seat accommodations were less generous compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo space was limited to 826 litres behind the rear seats, falling short of the class average. Despite this, the CX-50's space was usable for day-to-day needs, aided by a power liftgate and convenient storage features.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, though snug, were heated and ventilated, while the rear seats offered ample room and comfort. Interior storage was practical, though some compartments lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, with the ability to expand to 1,308 litres by folding the second row. However, the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a centre console dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup appealed to those who preferred a less distracting interface. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad on hybrid models. Audio options ranged from a basic eight-speaker system to a 12-speaker Bose premium system on higher trims.

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 model featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting, and some infotainment glitches were noted. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. While the NHTSA awarded the RX a five-star safety rating, the IIHS rated it poorly in moderate overlap frontal-impact tests.