2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, adorned with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the yet-to-be-released TX 550h+. The test vehicle, a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, which increased to $67,869 with additional packages. The interior, though dark with its Peppercorn color scheme, exuded luxury with premium materials, making it worthy of the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—offered a range of trim levels from Select to Premium Plus, with prices between $39,575 and $59,480. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, had an MSRP of $51,450. Its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels gave it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the design elements contributed to a low, athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90 featured an elegantly crafted interior with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Despite ergonomic issues like a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossovers.

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. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg combined, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration but reduced city and highway fuel economy. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain, featuring a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered driving modes like Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The i-Stop function aimed to enhance fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though testing yielded 21.3 mpg. Despite impressive ride and handling, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Noise and impact harshness were noticeable, and the electronic shifter was fussy. However, the CX-90 excelled in dynamic driving, with a firm suspension that communicated road conditions effectively.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they offered comfort and support. The second-row bench seat, though not as welcoming, provided adequate amenities like triple-zone climate control and USB ports. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX models. Sliding the second-row seat forward allowed for comfortable third-row seating, though it compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite a cool summer, struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature, suggesting the three-zone climate control system was inadequate. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were comfortable on long trips, though ventilation was less effective. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating, though seat-track travel was limited. The third row, accessible via long rear doors, was best suited for children. Storage options were limited, with a shallow bin under the center armrest and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row down, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row folded, which was small for the segment.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a three-year Drive Connect subscription with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also provided 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with Wi-Fi and Remote Connect features. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was inconsistent, though a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing a rewarding listening experience. The CX-90 also featured a head-up display with helpful data, and a visual alert system for blind spots.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system generally performed smoothly, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize, three-row SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it struggled with lane markings and speed adjustments. Despite some irritations, the CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the numerous warning chimes could be overwhelming.