Overview
We discussed earlier comparing Lexus TX and Mazda CX-90. At first sight, these two-way equals may not look exactly right to compare. Lexus is the luxury branch of the world’s leading automotive powerhouse, Toyota. On the other hand, Mazda is a smaller manufacturer on a world scale and does not have a separate luxury brand. Mazda’s strategy is to turn the brand into a premium one.
Toyota created Lexus in 1989 and since then this brand has eventually become a success story. In addition to Toyota’s quality and reliability Lexus gained widespread acceptance as a luxury brand that can successfully compete against the Germans like Mercedes, BMW and Audi. So we decided to make this comparison for reasons which are valid for us.
Exterior Design
In terms of exterior design, it’s not easy to be objective. However, we think that Mazda has a better and more organic exterior design. A drawback for Mazda is the smoothly inflated rear section which promises more head and legroom. But, as we mentioned earlier, this exterior design does not translate to more interior space.
When it comes to Lexus the biggest disappointment is the front of the vehicle. It simply doesn’t have a character or soul and has no relevance to the face of the existing Lexus models with the big, protruding grill. If this front grill is the harbinger of a new design language it is neither impressive nor convincing.
In this regard, Lexus has a lot to learn from Toyota’s Grand Highlander which has a more attractive design and is consistent with other Toyota models. From the face apart, the boxier design of the TX provides more interior space than the CX 90 especially in the third row and in general.
Interior Design
In comparison between Mazda CX-90 and Lexus TX, Mazda is probably the better vehicle in terms of interior quality. When you factor in the price difference of 12 to $13K a potential buyer would probably appreciate more the quality and value proposition Mazda offers.
This statement doesn’t change the fact that both vehicles have high-quality materials and workmanship inside. However, Mazda’s colour choice and combination are more attractive than the monochromatic interior of the Lexus. But it doesn’t stop here: In terms of interior space Lexus has the upper hand. The third row is more spacious and comfortable than the Mazda. Having said that, we must confess, that Mazda provides an acceptable amount of space in its third row.
In general, and apart from a quality perspective, Lexus provides a more practical, functional and usable interior space than Mazda. It is worth remembering that Lexus is the corporate cousin of the Toyota Grand Highlander, the bigger version of Highlander, the highly successful, three-row SUV, which provides a very tight third row. This was one of the reasons why Toyota created a more spacious version of this SUV. The more luxurious version of this SUV was a perfect move to fill an important gap in the Lexus model family.
Engine & Powertrain
Although both Lexus and Mazda are classified as hybrid vehicles, the characters and the functions are entirely different. Lexus hybrid system is defined as PowerMax (which is also used in the Toyota Grand Highlander) and is different from other hybrid engines of Lexus and Toyota. Power Max is focused more on increasing performance than providing fuel efficiency. On my long test drive from Toronto to Bellville and back, the average consumption was 10.7 litre verifying this fact.
On the other hand, the 3.3 litre, inline six-cylinder engine of Mazda provides slightly better fuel economy. Mazda’s bigger engine runs more smoothly. The advantage of additional volume and the two extra cylinders is felt compared to Lexus’ 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo machine. Still, Mazda’s acceleration is a bit slower, and the engine doesn’t like high revving. Lexus accelerates better and more willingly thanks to electric power support and turbo.
Lexus has a torque converter acting as an electric motor instead of an e-CVT system where an electric motor acts as a transmission, which other Lexus models have. This more classic setup provides a more linear acceleration where the gears change instead of the virtual gears of a CVT transmission. So, this powertrain combination is consistent and logical for an expensive, luxury SUV, where fuel economy will be second to performance.
Mazda’s hybrid system works differently and only in limited circumstances. The 8-speed transmission with an electric motor functions as a torque converter. It kicks in when it is necessary. When it comes to switching to hybrid mode and back, Toyota’s long experience and engineering refinement come into play. It is so smooth that you have to pay utmost attention to mode change. As soon as you pull off your feet from the gas pedal, the gas engine aggressively switches off.
Mazda has a lot to learn from Lexus on how to improve its software to make more use of all-electric mode and fuel saving. Hybrid switches are more palpable despite the bigger and smoother gas engine. We have to remember that Toyota’s very long experience and engineering excellence with hybrid technology for nearly 30 years, as its inventor, is simply unbeatable.
The Driving Impressions
Lexus has better noise insulation, and you feel less engine and tire noise. This is one of the basic expectations from a luxury brand. Mazda lets you feel more, and this may be justifiable considering the price difference between the two vehicles. We know that Lexus is the name of true luxury while Mazda is still evolving towards luxury.
Lexus has a transversally installed engine that powers the front wheels, and the power to the rear wheels is sent through electric motors instead of a mechanical connection. When you give too much gas, you may feel an instantaneous lack of power until the electric motors kick in.
Mazda has a different setup and its longitudinally installed engine sends the power to the rear wheels first. At curves, this manner is felt and the tendency to oversteer is palpable. This engine setup also requires a longer hood and requires some sacrifice in the interior space for the benefit of driving pleasure.
Verdict
Both vehicles are convincing examples of refined Japanese engineering and automotive excellence promising long-term quality and reliability. We exclude Germans mainly for pricing purposes.
Lexus is a very good choice as a family vehicle when the price is not an issue. Our tester had an MSRP of C$92,538 including the F-Sport performance package of C$ 6,000. The legendary Toyota and Lexus reliability justifies a premium. The space and the practicality of Lexus is superior to Mazda.
On the other end, the progress Mazda made in engineering quality and driving experience is a reality the automotive world recognized. Mazda is the better choice when it comes to driving pleasure with its longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive that even challenges the premium German rivals like the BMW X7. And the price advantage Mazda offers is significant.
No matter which vehicle you choose, the automobile world can celebrate the fact that the club of high-quality, luxurious Japanese SUVs has a new member.
