Compare the2025 Mazda CX-90VS 2024 Lexus TX

The Mazda CX-90 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The TX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-90. But it costs extra on the TX.

Both the CX-90 and the TX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver 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, 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.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Mazda CX-90 is safer than the TX:

The Mazda CX-90 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 a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The TX is not even 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-90’s warranty.

As tested in Motor Trend the CX-90 PHEV 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the TX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the CX-90 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the TX running its gasoline engine:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-90 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended on CX-90 PHEV for maximum performance). The TX requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The CX-90’s standard fuel tank has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 550h+’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The CX-90’s standard fuel tank has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 500h’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 17.1 gallons). The CX-90 Turbo S’ standard fuel tank has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the TX 350’s standard fuel tank (19.6 vs. 17.8 gallons).

The CX-90 stops much shorter than the TX:

For better traction, the CX-90 has larger standard tires than the TX (265/55R19 vs. 255/55R20). The CX-90 Premium/Turbo S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the TX (275/45R21 vs. 255/55R20).

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-90’s wheelbase is 6.7 inches longer than on the TX (122.8 inches vs. 116.1 inches).

The CX-90’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.7% to 48.3%) than the TX’s (53.1% to 46.9%). This gives the CX-90 more stable handling and braking.

The CX-90 Premium Plus handles at .82 G’s, while the TX 350 Luxury 4dr Sport Utility pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CX-90 Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the TX 350 Luxury 4dr Sport Utility (27.2 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the CX-90 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the TX 550h+ Luxury 4dr Sport Utility (8 vs. 7.7 inches), allowing the CX-90 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-90 PHEV Premium/Turbo S’ minimum ground clearance is .1 inch higher than on the TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium 4dr Sport Utility (8.1 vs. 8 inches).

The CX-90 offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the TX can only carry up to 7.

The engine in the CX-90 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the TX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

The TX Luxury/F Sport’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The CX-90 Turbo S’ standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The Mazda CX-90 outsold the Lexus TX by almost four to one during 2023.