2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Lexus TX

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 elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with a horizontal dashboard and 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 flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

The 2026 Lexus TX, on the other hand, offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package and the TX 500h hybrid starting with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The exterior design retained the large spindle grille but was complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting that spanned the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options and ambient lighting, though the material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but some felt they were unnecessary. Overall, the TX provided a spacious and comfortable interior, especially in the third row, which was surprisingly accommodating for adults.

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. While not designed for serious off-road use, the AWD system provided adequate traction. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offered a smart balance between the 187 hp base engine and the 256 hp Turbo models. Acceleration was comparable to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an expected 0-100 km/h time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The sportier suspension tuning of the CX-50 resulted in engaging handling, though it came at the cost of a firmer ride quality.

In contrast, the base Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid came with a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 offered full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h also included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample front seat space, but rear seat and cargo space were limited compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. The CX-50 provided 826 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, which was less than the class average. However, the space was practical for daily needs, aided by a power liftgate and additional storage features.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space, with three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row. The second row featured captain’s chairs with a removable centre console, and the third row offered a recline function and ample headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms.

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. Standard features included wireless smartphone connectivity and a wireless charging pad on hybrid models. The base audio system had eight speakers, while the GT trim offered a 12-speaker Bose system.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labelled, requiring reliance on the digital display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues were noted. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including navigation and a voice assistant. The backup camera provided a clear view, and the Advanced Park system was available for automated parking.

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, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, all of which performed reliably.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. While the adaptive cruise control was effective, the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX received five stars from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.