Compare the2025 Mazda CX-50VS 2024 Lexus RX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-50. But it costs extra on the RX.

Both the CX-50 and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the CX-50 is much safer than the RX:

The Mazda CX-50 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The RX is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

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-50’s warranty.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-50 turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the RX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the CX-50 gets better mileage than the RX running its gasoline engine:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-50 (except Turbo/Hybrid)’s fuel efficiency. The RX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the CX-50 Turbo/Hybrid and the RX have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All CX-50 Turbo/Hybrids have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The RX 350h/500h doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-50 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine for maximum performance). The RX 350 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The CX-50 stops much shorter than the RX:

For better traction, the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (245/45R20 vs. 235/60R19).

The CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s optional 50 series tires.

The CX-50 handles at .87 G’s, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the RX 350h (26.8 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RX 350h (8.6 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the CX-50 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mazda CX-50 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 800 pounds less than the Lexus RX.

The CX-50 is 6.7 inches shorter than the RX, making the CX-50 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CX-50 has .6 inches more front legroom and 2.4 inches more rear legroom than the RX.

The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the RX with its rear seat up (31.4 vs. 29.6 cubic feet). The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (56.3 vs. 46.2 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CX-50 easier. The CX-50’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.4 inches, while the RX’s liftover is 31 inches.

The CX-50’s cargo area is larger than the RX’s in almost every dimension:

The CX-50’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (2000 vs. 0 pounds).

Consumer Reports rated the CX-50’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the RX’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Insurance will cost less for the CX-50 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-50 will cost $1400 less than the RX over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-50 will be $13790 to $14297 less than for the Lexus RX.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-50 and the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance.