Lexus
TX
Mazda
CX-90
Lexus TX vs Mazda CX-90: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Lexus TX comes out ahead of the Mazda CX-90 on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
TX
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between expectations and reality. The vehicle is widely praised for its practical strengths: a genuinely spacious and usable third row, good cargo capacity, a quiet and comfortable ride, and the perceived long-term reliability associated with the Lexus brand. It is frequently positioned as a sensible, family-focused luxury SUV offering a stress-free ownership experience.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Feedback indicates trade-offs: the TX 500h (hybrid) is praised for its smoother, more powerful acceleration, but some find its seats less comfortable than the TX 350.
Known issues
- ⚠Disappointing interior material quality: described as bland, gray, with hard plastics, limited color options, and a perceived downgrade from previous Lexus models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Confusing trim and package structure: overly complicated, making it difficult to determine which features are included in a specific vehicle. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Real-world fuel economy significantly below EPA estimates: specifically for the TX 500h hybrid, with reports of 18-25 MPG in mixed driving versus advertised 27 city/28 highway. Frequency: recurrent.
CX-90
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving experience and reliability concerns. The vehicle is very frequently praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, handling, and powertrain performance, often described as feeling more luxurious and sporty than mainstream competitors. The inline-6 turbo engine is noted for its power and smoothness, and the overall refinement and interior quality are recurrent positives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The Turbo S powertrain is mentioned for its performance.
Known issues
- ⚠New platform reliability concerns: multiple software recalls, unproven long-term durability of the new inline-6 engine, 8-speed transmission, and hybrid systems. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Third-row space limitations: cramped and less usable compared to key competitors like the Telluride, Palisade, and Highlander. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Interior packaging and storage: poorly laid out interior with limited useful storage compartments and cupholders compared to the previous CX-9 and competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mazda CX-90 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Lexus TX, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mazda CX-90 are a dealbreaker, the Lexus TX is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Lexus TX or the Mazda CX-90?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mazda CX-90 than the Lexus TX. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Lexus TX or the Mazda CX-90?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Lexus TX or the Mazda CX-90?
The Lexus TX is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.1 L/100km combined versus 9.4 L/100km for the Mazda CX-90, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Lexus TX or the Mazda CX-90?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Lexus TX than the Mazda CX-90. See the known issues comparison above.