Compare the2026 Lexus RXVS 2026 Mazda CX-50

The Lexus RX’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mazda CX-50 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the RX has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Parking Support Brake, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus offers Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Both the RX and the CX-50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus RX is safer than the Mazda CX-50:

	RX	CX-50
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.3 inches	.7 inches
Abdominal Force	99 lbs.	144 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	63	67

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The RX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-50’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the CX-50. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the CX-50 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The RX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CX-50’s (6 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Lexus RX’s reliability 28 points higher than the CX-50.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX second among midsize premium suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The CX-50 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 59 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 26th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked third.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 14th.

The RX has more powerful engines than the CX-50:

	Horsepower	Torque
RX 350h 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	246 HP	233 lbs.-ft.
RX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	275 HP	317 lbs.-ft.
RX 450h+ Luxury 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	304 HP
RX 500h F Sport Performance 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	366 HP	406 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	187 HP	185 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	219 HP	163 lbs.-ft.
CX-50 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder	256 HP	320 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Lexus RX is faster than the Mazda CX-50:

	RX 350h	RX 350	CX-50 4 cyl.	CX-50 4 cyl. hybrid gas
Zero to 60 MPH	7.8 sec	7.5 sec	9.3 sec	8.1 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.9 sec	4.6 sec	5.7 sec	4.4 sec
Quarter Mile	16 sec	15.8 sec	17.2 sec	16.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89 MPH	93 MPH	84 MPH	89 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the RX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the CX-50:

			MPG
RX
	AWD	350h 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	37 city/34 hwy
		500h 2.4 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/28 hwy
CX-50
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy
		2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions for 38 miles. The CX-50 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regardless of its engine, the RX’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip (350 only). Mazda only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the CX-50 Turbo/Hybrid.

The RX 350h/500h’s standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons). The RX 350’s standard fuel tank has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-50’s standard fuel tank (17.8 vs. 15.9 gallons).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus RX higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-50 (4 to 6). This means the RX produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-50 every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus RX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-50.

For better stopping power the RX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-50:

	RX	RX 500h	CX-50
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	15.7 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	13.4 inches	12.8 inches

The RX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-50 are solid, not vented.

The RX stops shorter than the CX-50:

	RX	CX-50
70 to 0 MPH	178 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	132 feet	133 feet	Consumer Reports

For better traction, the RX has larger tires than the CX-50 (235/60R19 vs. 225/65R17).

The RX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-50’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-50. The RX’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the CX-50 2.5 S Premium/2.5 Turbo/Turbo Premium Plus.

For superior ride and handling, the Lexus RX has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-50 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The RX has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the RX flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The RX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RX’s wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than on the CX-50 (112.2 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is .1 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the CX-50.

The RX 450h+ Luxury handles at .81 G’s, while the CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The RX 450h+ Luxury executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the CX-50 (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the RX 350 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-50 Hybrid Preferred (8.1 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the RX 450h+ Luxury is quieter than the CX-50:

	RX	CX-50
Full-Throttle	72 dB	80 dB

The RX has .4 inches more front headroom, 3.1 inches more front hip room, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, 3.9 inches more rear hip room and 2.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-50.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RX’s rear seats recline. The CX-50’s rear seats don’t recline.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RX. The CX-50 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport’s available liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 24% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo/Hybrid Premium, the RX 450h+ Luxury has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The CX-50 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

If the windows are left open on the RX the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the CX-50 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-50 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RX offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CX-50 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-50 Preferred/Meridian/Premium/Turbo.

The Lexus RX has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the CX-50 Premium Plus Hybrid/Turbo.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The CX-50 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

The Lexus RX has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Mazda charges extra for Homelink® on the CX-50.

Compared to traditional radio, the Lexus RX’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-50 Premium/Turbo.

The RX (except 350) offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The RX’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Advanced Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The CX-50 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The RX is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-50 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Lexus RX and the Mazda CX-50, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus RX outsold the Mazda CX-50 by 2911 units during 2025.