Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-60

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Lexus NX and Mazda CX-60 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 91% for the Mazda CX-60.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda CX-60, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 7 in the Mazda CX-60.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-60 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-60. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-60 offers cloth.

Drivetrain

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Mazda CX-60 responds with a Petrol making 138kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 138kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda CX-60 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 80mm shorter than the Mazda CX-60 at 4,740mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-60 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 570L in the Mazda CX-60, giving the Mazda CX-60 a 50L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-60 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mazda CX-60's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km) and fuel for the Mazda CX-60 about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $713 a year less for the Lexus NX.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mazda CX-60). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus NX), no data (Mazda CX-60).

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 138kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,138).

The Mazda CX-60: the lower starting price ($45,640 against $71,700), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 75

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Mazda CX-60's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 23 points), technology (Lexus NX ahead by 12 points), value (Mazda CX-60 ahead by 3 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $713 less (5 L/100km against 7.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Lexus NX, 570L in the Mazda CX-60.

Common questions