Mazda CX-90 vs Lexus RX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $84,900. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $10,515.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $81,824 and $93,390 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus RX by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-90 and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mazda CX-90 and 90% for the Lexus RX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-90 and 8 in the Lexus RX.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-90 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus RX counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that the Mazda CX-90 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-90 uses a Petrol producing 254kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,120mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 230mm longer than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 355L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90 and $1,967/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Mazda CX-90) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Mazda CX-90 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RX if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-90 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX has a clear edge. The Mazda CX-90 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-90 and Lexus RX?
The Mazda CX-90 is the cheapest at $74,385 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $10,515.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-90 and Lexus RX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda CX-90 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Lexus RX is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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