Compare the2025 Mazda CX-5VS 2025 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.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Lexus RX has not been tested.

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.”

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 16% during 2024.