← Back to compare hub

Lexus NX250 vs Mazda CX-9

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Lexus logo

2025 Lexus NX250

Full research
Mazda logo

2023 Mazda CX-9

Full researchShop inventory

Overview

SpecLexus NX250250Mazda CX-9Touring
Selected trim250Touring
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainfront wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedpremium unleaded (recommended)
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20252023

Pricing & market

SpecLexus NX250250Mazda CX-9Touring
MSRP$40,965$38,750 (best)
Lowest listing price—$8,980 (best)
Median listing price—$26,800 (best)
Highest listing price—$32,478 (best)
For sale now013 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecLexus NX250250Mazda CX-9Touring
Combined MPG28 MPG (best)23 MPG
City MPG26 MPG (best)20 MPG
Highway MPG33 MPG (best)26 MPG
Fuel tank14.5 gal19.5 gal (best)

Performance

SpecLexus NX250250Mazda CX-9Touring
Horsepower203 hp227 hp (best)
Torque184 lb-ft310 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.5 L2.5 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecLexus NX250250Mazda CX-9Touring
Seating5 seats6 seats (best)
Doors45 (best)
Cargo volume46.9 cu ft71.2 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity2,000 lbs3,500 lbs (best)
Payload895 lbs1,434 lbs (best)
Curb weight3,660 lbs (best)4,409 lbs
Ground clearance8.1 in8.8 in (best)
Wheelbase105.9 in115.3 in (best)
Length183.5 in199.4 in (best)
Width73.4 in77.5 in (best)
Height66.1 in69 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecLexus NX250250Mazda CX-9Touring
NHTSA overall—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)—4 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)—4 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover—4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone reported

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimLexus NX250Mazda CX-9
1

250

$40,965 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Touring

$38,750 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

250

$42,565 MSRP

Touring Plus

$41,350 MSRP

3

250 Premium

$42,890 MSRP

Carbon Edition

$44,830 MSRP

4

250 Premium

$44,490 MSRP

Grand Touring

$45,690 MSRP

5—

Signature

$48,460 MSRP

Live inventory

Lexus NX250 vs Mazda CX-9 FAQ

Which is better: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2023 Mazda CX-9?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Lexus NX250 vs 2023 Mazda CX-9 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2023 Mazda CX-9?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 starts lower at $38,750. Live Mazda CX-9 listings start at $8,980.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,750).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2025 Lexus NX250 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
Which has better horsepower: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
Which has better seats: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 leads on seats in this comparison (7).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2025 Lexus NX250 or 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,500).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Lexus NX250 vs 2023 Mazda CX-9?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Mazda CX-9 (5/5 NHTSA overall).