2025 Lexus GX vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. Depending on the variant, trim levels included Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus, with pricing ranging from $39,575 to $59,480. The 3.3 Turbo test vehicle featured the Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $51,450. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and design elements contributed to a low, long, athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium feel with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, though some materials reflected its competitive price. However, ergonomic issues such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls were noted. Despite these, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking new look compared to its predecessor. Its shape echoed the boxy, old-school Land Rover style, with a brawny facial expression accented by LED headlights and a large grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, rock rails, and a brown color called Earth. Inside, the GX maintained a clean and elegant design with quality switchgear and chic dashboard, center console, and door trim. The front and rear seats offered ample headroom, and the tester included a head-up display. The seats were a mix of stitched black and tan faux leather with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Overall visibility was excellent, aided by tall windows and the elevated ride height of the Overtrail+ model.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain was less refined than its design and materials, which was disappointing given the typically smooth operation of inline-six engines. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models, while the Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The EPA rated both the 3.3 Turbo and Turbo S at 25 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range and the same combined fuel economy. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Noise and impact harshness were also issues, detracting from the upscale impression. However, the CX-90's suspension provided a firm and communicative driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with full-time four-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GX accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. Despite its weight, the GX felt faster than expected, with ample power throughout the rev band. However, the transmission was occasionally slow to react. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 14.9 mpg. The GX excelled in around-town manners, with quick acceleration and a chassis that felt athletic despite its size. On-road ride quality was good, though there was some jiggliness on the rear axle. Off-road, the GX demonstrated impressive capability, easily handling steep and challenging terrain. The Overtrail+ model offered additional off-road features, though these came at a higher price. Overall, the GX was a well-rounded midsize luxury SUV with excellent on-road and off-road performance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior struggled with climate control, taking a long time to cool down despite the three-zone system. The Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front-seat ventilation was as ineffective as the air conditioning. Once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, though adults could fit with some adjustments. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin, and a sizable glove compartment. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior dimensions, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and around 43 inches in the back. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row, with ample shoulder room. The GX's cargo space was a highlight, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 76.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Overtrail trim, without a third row, offered 90.5 cubic feet of space, reducing to 45.9 with the second row in place. The GX's towing capacity was 9,063 pounds, making it suitable for adventurous excursions. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, with a width of 78 inches and a length of 197 inches.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was not up to modern standards, though a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered great haptic feedback, smooth operation, and an intuitive layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with seamless pairing. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good audio quality, though it required higher volume at highway speeds. The GX offered six USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with four in the Overtrail trims. The armrest storage included air conditioning, adding convenience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize, three-row SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The PHEV model earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ model included pedestrian detection. The GX's safety systems were not intrusive and automatically disabled during off-road driving. A 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras aided visibility. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it included 10 airbags for occupant protection.