2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed to stand out with its distinctive styling, characterized by excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found overwhelming. Despite this, the CX-30 maintained an overall appealing aesthetic with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted sides. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale experience, with a refined interior that felt a class above its segment. The dashboard was thoughtfully designed, with clear gauges and an infotainment screen integrated into the dash, complemented by dual-zone climate controls that were both functional and stylish.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly in the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition trim, presented a more subdued exterior, with its Incognito paint and orange brake calipers providing the only real visual flair. The RX's design was not particularly striking, though it was more palatable in its current generation. Inside, the RX Hybrid offered a contemporary cabin with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, the ergonomics of the controls were mixed, with some being intuitive and others less so. The RX avoided the trend of a single curved display, opting instead for a more traditional layout.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a smooth and gradual power delivery. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly, and the standard AWD system ensured power was effectively distributed to all four wheels. However, the CX-30's fuel economy was less impressive, with an observed 21.3 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility, making it a joy on both city streets and winding roads.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models, with the RX 350h being the most efficient at 36 mpg combined, though it was the least powerful with 246 hp. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time 1.5 seconds faster than the RX 350h. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension and advanced AWD system, but its driving experience was less engaging, with too much filtering of road feedback.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was both stylish and functional, with quality materials and intuitive controls. The interior was compact, particularly in the rear seats, but the front seats were comfortable and offered good adjustability. Cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, providing practical but not generous storage.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on comfort and practicality, with spacious seating and ample room for adults in the rear. The RX 500h's front seats, though snug, were less comfortable over long drives. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet, though the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items. Interior storage was plentiful, though some compartments lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display in turbocharged models, offering touchscreen functionality with smartphone integration. However, the screen's distance from the driver and the lack of natural voice recognition limited its usability. The CX-30 included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and new USB-C ports for connectivity.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with a modern infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RX offered a range of connected services, including a three-year Drive Connect plan with a digital voice assistant. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, though some infotainment glitches were noted.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including new standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The RX also offered Predictive Driving Assist and optional features like a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it poorly in some tests.