Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?

Lexus NX

$59,900 - $103,598

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Lexus NX

2021 Mazda CX-9

By Emily Agar

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

1.3L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.0 kWh/100km

Electric range

87 km

Battery capacity

18.10 kWh

Seating

Likes

Plush cabin space with nice trims
Premium technology that's easy to use
Refined on road driving experience

New 10.25-inch display
Seven-seater's versatility
Comfortable ride

Dislikes

Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
Not as flashy inside as rivals
Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

Expensive AWD option
Six-seater's compromises
Older ANCAP safety rating

2025 Lexus NX Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

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2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Lexus NX 2021 Mazda CX-9

Verdict

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.

Verdict

The CX-9 is still a great option for families looking for a large SUV, even if it is starting to show its age as new rivals continue to launch with newer technologies.

That said, the availability of a luxury-focused six-seat configuration (Azami LE AWD) for the first time might be enough to convince some buyers to give it further consideration.

But for others who need the versatility of seven seats, this is still the CX-9 we’ve all come to know and love – but just a little bit better – particularly in its best-selling Azami AWD form.

Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus NX vs Mazda CX-9
What's the difference?