2026 Lexus TX vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Canadian trim levels included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing ranging from $48,846 to $67,886. The test vehicle, equivalent to the mild hybrid’s Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $67,286. 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 created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a low, athletic look.

Inside, the CX-90 continued its premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its price point, the cabin felt upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a non-intuitive climate panel. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages depending on the powertrain. The TX 350 came with the Luxury package by default and could be upgraded to Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package and could also be optioned with the F Sport 3 package. The higher packages included towing capability options. The TX featured a large grille, sharp bi-LED headlights, and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler. Roof rails were available for additional storage.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, and suede trim adorned the glovebox. However, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic scattered throughout. Redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity, and while they didn't detract significantly, more attention to cabin detail would have been appreciated.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's standard 3.3 Turbo drivetrain lacked refinement, which was disappointing given the typically smooth operation of inline-six engines. The turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version, standard on GT-P and Signature trims, delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Ground clearance ranged from 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres, and hill descent control was standard.

Fuel economy was aided by an i-Stop function, with ratings of 9.3 L/100 km for the standard engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially during cold starts. Unwanted engine surge and acceleration were noted, and vibrations resonated through the second-row captain’s chairs. Despite these issues, the CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, providing a dynamic driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time AWD, and the TX 500h featured Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly, despite its three-zone setup. In Signature trim, it featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The front-seat ventilation was nearly as ineffective as the air conditioning. Once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, limited seat-track travel made installing rear-facing child seats challenging. The third row was best suited for children, especially on longer trips.

The CX-90's storage solutions were limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, slightly more than non-Signature models. Folding the third row increased cargo room to 1,155 litres, with a maximum of 2,129 litres when the second row was flattened. This was small for the segment.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The test car featured second-row captain’s chairs with a removable centre console, though some packages offered a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, making it comfortable for adults. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port.

A one-touch button on the second-row seat facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The heating function was excellent, and the cupholders accommodated various bottle sizes. Most climate controls were on the screen, but temperature controls remained physical dials. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All TX models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard had a traditional look, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Lower trims used traditional gauges and smaller screens. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. Mazda's voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda’s Active Driving Display, which provided helpful data and blind-spot alerts.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was easy to use but lacked some features, such as manual satellite radio station input. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Gas-only models received four-star frontal-impact ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the audible warning systems were excessive.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning with steering assist, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The latter feature was often turned off due to its random activation. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed in stop-and-go traffic. The NHTSA rated both the TX 350 and TX 500h five stars for crash safety. The IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" rating for the passenger’s side.