Compare the2025 Mazda CX-5VS 2024 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.

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 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 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-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The RX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the CX-5 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-5s 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-5 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-5 stops much shorter than the RX:

The CX-5 handles at .82 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-5 Carbon Turbo executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the RX 350h (27.7 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 950 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 larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RX with its rear seat folded (59.3 vs. 46.2 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CX-5 easier. The CX-5’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.4 inches, while the RX’s liftover is 31 inches.

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

Consumer Reports rated the CX-5’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the RX’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Insurance will cost less for the CX-5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-5 will cost $1060 to $4535 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-5 will be $14606 to $16472 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 35% during 2023.