Compare the2023 Mazda CX-9VS 2022 Lexus RXL

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-9. But it costs extra on the RXL.

Both the CX-9 and the RXL 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-9 is safer than the Lexus RXL:

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-9 is safer than the Lexus RXL:

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-9 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The RXL 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-9’s warranty.

The CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 57 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 263) than the RX 350L’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-9 is faster than the RX 350L 3.5 DOHC V6:

On the EPA test cycle the CX-9 gets better mileage than the RXL:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-9 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The RX 450hL requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The CX-9 has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the RXL Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (19.5 vs. 17.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The CX-9 stops much shorter than the RXL:

For better traction, the CX-9 has larger tires than the RXL (255/60R18 vs. 235/65R18).

The CX-9 Touring’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RXL’s standard 65 series tires. The CX-9 Touring Plus/Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature’s tires have a lower 50 series profile than the RXL’s optional 55 series tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-9’s wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the RXL (115.3 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-9 is .9 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the RXL.

The CX-9 Signature handles at .85 G’s, while the RX 350L AWD pulls only .75 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CX-9 Signature executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the RX 350L (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.5 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the CX-9 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RXL (8.8 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the CX-9 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The CX-9 has 18.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the RXL (135.1 vs. 117).

The CX-9 has .9 inches more front hip room, 8.5 inches more rear legroom, 1.6 inches more rear hip room, .3 inches more rear shoulder room, .6 inches more third row headroom, 6.2 inches more third row legroom and 7.4 inches more third row shoulder room than the RXL.

The front step up height for the CX-9 is 2.2 inches lower than the RXL (18.3” vs. 20.5”). The CX-9’s rear step up height is 2 inches lower than the RXL’s (18.8” vs. 20.8”).

The CX-9’s cargo area provides more volume than the RXL.

The CX-9’s cargo area is larger than the RXL’s in almost every dimension:

The CX-9’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RXL’s (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the CX-9, using the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the RXL.

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-9’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the RXL’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Marginal.”

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda CX-9 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the RXL.

Insurance will cost less for the CX-9 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-9 will cost $645 less than the RXL over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the CX-9 is less expensive to operate than the RXL because it costs $109 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the CX-9 than the RXL, including $62 less for a water pump, $88 less for a muffler, $45 less for front brake pads, $442 less for a starter, $87 less for fuel injection, $918 less for a timing belt/chain and $1422 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-9 will be $4068 to $4942 less than for the Lexus RXL.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RXL, based on reliability, safety and performance.