Compare the2023 Mazda CX-5VS 2022 Lexus RX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-5. But it costs extra on the RX.

Both the CX-5 and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Lexus RX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Lexus RX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-5 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The RX last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2022.

There are over 2 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-5 turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the RX 450h 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better mileage than the RX:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The RX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-5 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The RX 450h requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The CX-5 stops much shorter than the RX:

The CX-5 handles at .81 G’s, while the RX 450h pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the RX’s (36 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 850 pounds less than the Lexus RX.

The CX-5 is 1 foot shorter than the RX, making the CX-5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the CX-5 is quieter than the RX 350 F Sport AWD:

The CX-5 has .3 inches more front headroom and 1.6 inches more rear legroom than the RX.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (30.8 vs. 16 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (59.3 vs. 32.6 cubic feet).

The CX-5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (2000 vs. 0 pounds).

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The CX-5’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the RX’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Marginal.”

Insurance will cost less for the CX-5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-5 will cost $845 to $3345 less than the RX over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the CX-5 is less expensive to operate than the RX because it costs $191 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the CX-5 than the RX, including $919 less for a water pump, $232 less for a muffler, $69 less for front brake pads, $361 less for a starter, $144 less for a fuel pump, $1638 less for a timing belt/chain and $1699 less for a power steering pump.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-5 will be $10075 to $14970 less than for the Lexus RX.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-5 and the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Lexus RX by 58% during 2022.