2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, especially with the Luxury trim's 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for FWD or AWD. The interior, though dark, felt luxurious with premium materials, meeting expectations for a Lexus badge.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was considered one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with graceful curves that set it apart. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, its design remained timeless, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior boasted high-quality materials and a blend of analog and digital elements, favoring usability over high-tech features. The CX-5's traditional controls, like physical buttons and knobs, were appreciated for their practicality. Soft-touch materials dominated the cabin, giving it a refined feel comparable to older Acura or Lexus models.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The performance was adequate, with a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg for the FWD model, though it averaged 20.4 mpg during testing. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The base engine reached 60 mph in about eight seconds, while the turbo model did so two seconds faster. The CX-5 excelled in handling, with AWD providing sure-footedness and minimal body roll. Its sporty dynamics resulted in a firmer ride, but it remained comfortable for most passengers. The cabin effectively filtered out noise, enhancing long-distance comfort.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, a significant improvement over past models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and refined but lacked some practicality compared to rivals. It offered adequate headroom and rear legroom, though competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage provided more space. The CX-5's cargo area held 30.8 cubic feet, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it was functional with easy-to-use latches. Storage for smaller items was decent, with cupholders, door pockets, and a center armrest bin. Midlevel trims added features like a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and more. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses affecting the head-up display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TX included a three-year Drive Connect subscription, providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Additional services like Service Connect and Safety Connect were available, along with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, controlled via a center console dial. This setup was intuitive, allowing easy navigation through menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless capability in midrange trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt dated, but higher trims included a head-up display. The base audio system had four speakers, while the top Signature model featured a 10-speaker Bose system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also offered.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided braking and steering assistance, though it was not always smooth. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving at low speeds but lacked a higher-speed option.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a "Good" rating from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Turbo Signature trim included a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking. The systems operated smoothly without false alarms.