Compare the2023 Mazda CX-5VS 2023 Lexus RX

The CX-5 has standard Whiplash-Reducing Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The RX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

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.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 126 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The RX has not been fully tested, yet.

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.

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 requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 900 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.

The CX-5 has .2 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more rear headroom and 2.2 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. 29.6 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. 46.2 cubic feet).

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

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lexus RX isn't recommended.

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