Mazda, once a name associated with affordable transport, is redefining itself in the realm of luxury. While staying true to its core value of delivering driving joy, Mazda has upped the ante by incorporating plush elegance into its equation. Enter the CX-90, Mazda's flagship model, an embodiment of this brand transformation. Promising an exciting fusion of finesse, comfort, and power, the CX-90 aims to ruffle the feathers of established luxury brands like Lexus.
But the auto industry is not an easy one to disrupt. This raises the big question: Can the new kid on the block, the Mazda CX-90, truly take on a seasoned contender like the Lexus GX? Now granted that this is an apples-to-apples comparison, with the Mazda being a unibody model and the Lexus, a tough as nails body on frame SUV, but higher trims of the CX-90 do come close to the outgoing GX in terms of price and give us an opportunity to compare both three-row SUVs. This dependable luxury vehicle has set the standard for years. Is the CX-90 up to challenging, and maybe even outshining, Lexus' crown jewel? Let's dive in and find out!
The Stage Is Set: CX-90 Vs. GX
The video above gives us an idea of how far Mazda has come in terms of improving overall build quality. The Mazda CX-90, which zoomed onto the scene in spring 2023 to replace the CX-9, isn’t just any SUV. It’s a powerhouse with a beefy inline-six engine that delivers 340 horsepower in its top S model. Add to this the luxury of second-row captain’s chairs, a booming 12-speaker Bose stereo system, 21-inch wheels, and other indulgences, and it’s clear Mazda is going big on luxury.
Lexus’ GX, on the other hand, stays true to its rugged yet refined roots in the 2023 model, with a fresh coat of exterior paint and a standard Mark Levinson sound system on the luxury models. They’ve even added a limited Black Line Special Edition, proof that the GX still has plenty of allure. While these features paint a captivating picture for both the CX-90 and the GX, the real-world experience and the value-for-money factor often tilts the balance for buyers.
Performance: The Heart Of The Matter
With the introduction of Mazda’s ground-breaking 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, reinforced by a 48-volt hybrid system, the CX-90 is a testament to Mazda’s ambitions. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a plug-in hybrid variant that echoes the sophisticated system of the European-market CX-60.
The top-spec S model of the CX-90 delivers an exhilarating yet silky smooth ride. However, there’s a slight hiccup: the lag in paddle shifters and a few unruly sounds at high speeds reveal it’s still finding its footing.
Meanwhile, the Lexus GX remains loyal to its trusty 4.6-liter V-8 engine, generating a solid 301 horsepower. Throw in the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and you’ve got a vehicle ready for city streets and off-road adventures.
Of course, there’s more to an SUV than raw power. Towing capacity is critical. The CX-90 Turbo and Turbo S models can haul up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the PHEV and select trims of the 3.3 Turbo can manage 3,500 pounds. But the Lexus GX takes the crown here, with its Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+ trims towing up to 8,000 pounds.
Engine Specifications And Towing Capacities
Vehicle | Engine | Power Output (Horsepower) | Torque (pound-feet) | Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CX-90 | 3.3-Liter Turbo Inline-Six/2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid | 280-323 | 332-369 | 3,500 (PHEV and select trims of 3.3 Turbo), 5,000 (Turbo and Turbo S models) |
GX | 4.6-liter V8 | 301 | 329 | 8,000 (Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, Overtrail+ trims) |
Fuel Economy And Sustainability: The Green Factor
The Mazda CX-90’s plug-in hybrid variant packs a punch with its 17.8-kWh battery pack. It’s no Tesla, but it promises an EPA-estimated 26 miles of pure electric driving on a full charge. Not a marathon, but ideal for the city commute, with frequent stops and shorter distances.
The battery pack also works its magic on fuel efficiency for the inline-six engine. Even without the electric motor’s help, it still manages an impressive 24 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. It’s all about flexibility, switching between electric and fuel power to meet your driving needs.
On the flip side, unfortunately, the 2023 Lexus GX lags in fuel economy. With the vehicle’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine clocking in at just 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway, the GX finds itself in the shadow of the fuel-savvy CX-90.
Fuel Economy And Electric Range
Vehicle | Battery Pack Size | Electric Range (EPA-Estimated) | Fuel Economy (City) | Fuel Economy (Highway) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mazda CX-90 | 17.8 kWh | 26 miles | 24 MPG | 28 MPG |
Lexus GX 2023 | N/A | N/A | 15 MPG | 19 MPG |
Please note that the Lexus GX does not have a battery pack size or electric range as it's not a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Luxury And Practicality: The Inside Story
When it comes to comfort and interior design, the Mazda CX-90 presents a sleek, stylish, and remarkably spacious cabin that can comfortably seat up to eight passengers. The fabric dashboard upholstery, particularly in high-end models, is a visual delight and is the embodiment of the Japanese brand's Kodo design philosophy. And those seats, wrapped in soft Nappa leather, are visually appealing and luxurious. Moreover, there’s plenty of space, with 41.7 inches of legroom up front and 39.4 inches in the rear. The third row is cozier, with 30.2 inches. For cargo, you’ve got 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row. Need more room? The rear seats fold down to reveal 75.2 cubic feet of space.
Now let’s peek inside the Lexus GX. It feels like a trip down memory lane, with an old-world charm from the leather and real-wood trim. The quality is top-notch, but it’s more of a pleasant nostalgia trip than cutting-edge design. The space is a bit tighter, with 41.7 inches of legroom up front, a slightly cramped 34.1 inches in the rear, and a snug 29.3 inches in the third row. The cargo space is also smaller, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
To sum it up, while the CX-90 and the GX have distinct qualities, Mazda's attention to style, comfort, and versatility in the CX-90's interior design presents a refreshing alternative in the segment.
Interior Dimensions And Cargo Capacity
Interior dimensions and cargo capacity | Mazda CX-90 | Lexus GX |
|---|---|---|
Front Row Legroom | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
Second Row Legroom | 39.4 inches | 34.1 inches |
Third Row Legroom | 30.2 inches | 29.3 inches |
Cargo Space (Behind Third Row) | 15.9 cubic feet | 11.6 cubic feet |
Cargo Space (Rear Seats Folded) | 75.2 cubic feet | 64.7 cubic feet |
Connectivity: Keeping Up With The Times
The CX-90 and the GX offer notable features regarding infotainment and connectivity. With the Mazda CX-90, you'll find a 10.3- or larger 12.3-inch infotainment display comfortably nestled into the dashboard and manipulated via a click wheel on the center console. Mazda's recent infotainment interface is relatively intuitive and straightforward, allowing for a seamless user experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless connectivity for these platforms is expected.
The Lexus GX also doesn't disappoint in its tech offerings. Standard equipment includes a nine-speaker audio setup and a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth connectivity is standard across all trims, facilitating hands-free phone calls. Also included is SiriusXM satellite radio, extending your range of entertainment options. If you desire more, available tech features include a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and integrated navigation.
Safety: A Non-Negotiable Aspect
Mazda and Lexus both prioritize safety. For the Mazda CX-90, the following driver-assistance features are available:
- Automated emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front
The Lexus GX also offers a broad array of safety and driver-assistance features, including:
- Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high beams
Is Mazda A Match For Lexus?
In evaluating SUVs such as the Mazda CX-90 and Lexus GX, critical factors like cost, fuel efficiency, space capacity, and base features demand careful attention. The Lexus GX starts at a higher MSRP of $59,275, while the comparably equipped 2024 Mazda CX-90 offers a more affordable starting price of $40,970.
The decision between the two ultimately comes down to your priorities. If maximizing value for money is your goal, the CX-90 presents a compelling case with its superior fuel efficiency, spacious and up-to-date interior, and an array of remarkable standard features, all at a more attractive price point. The Lexus GX has its advantages, notably in towing capacity, but the overall package the CX-90 delivers is difficult to ignore.
The Lexus GX offers an optional Off-Road package that includes:
- Multi-terrain select
- Crawl Control, further highlighting the GX’s off-road capabilities
The CX-90 is more than just another SUV on the market; it represents Mazda's ambition to compete directly with established luxury brands. So, is Mazda, a real competitor for Lexus? Undoubtedly, yes, with the CX-90 spearheading this challenge. The automotive landscape is undergoing dynamic changes, and as consumers, we're in an exciting position to witness it all.