Are you trying to find a new SUV? The Mazda CX-60 and Lexus NX often pop up. They’re super popular in the compact SUV market. Both cars offer style and good performance. Technology is a big part of their appeal. But here’s the thing. They are actually quite different cars. So, what truly sets them apart? Which one gives you a smoother ride? Let’s explore these two vehicles.
Mazda has a long history. They’ve always made cars for drivers. Their vehicles feel nimble on the road. Mazda truly prioritizes the driving experience. Lexus, on the other hand, began as Toyota’s luxury brand. They wanted to take on European luxury cars. Their focus has always been on comfort. Think quiet cabins. Imagine plush, soft interiors. They aim for refined experiences. This background shapes both the CX-60 and the NX. Understanding their roots helps us see their true nature. It really makes you wonder, right? Why are they built this way? It’s because of their history. This comparison is vital for you. It helps you pick the right car. It’s for your everyday life. Let’s dive deep into this.
Design and Aesthetics
Let’s talk about how these cars look. Their design truly shows their unique identities. Mazda cars always look sleek and sporty. The CX-60 follows this tradition. Its front has a bold grille. Flowing lines make it look strong. Mazda calls its design Kodo. This means Soul of Motion. It captures movement’s beauty. Honestly, I think it tells a great story. It makes the car feel alive. It projects a sense of energy.
The Lexus NX is quite different. It screams luxury and class. Its spindle grille is very famous. Sharp LED lights give it an edgy look. The body is finely sculpted. It just feels more upscale. Lexus wants to deliver pure luxury. The NX design clearly shows this goal. A J.D. Power study from 2022 showed something interesting. Design really matters to buyers. About 85% said looks were key. Looks affect buyer decisions a lot.
Choosing based on looks is personal. Some like the CX-60’s sportiness. Others prefer the NX’s luxury. Both have strong points. Imagine seeing them side-by-side. One looks fast and agile. The other looks refined and elegant. It’s quite the sight. Your personal style decides. Do you value dynamic looks? Or do you prefer elegant presence?
Interior Comfort and Technology
Let’s step inside these cars. Comfort and tech are important here. Both the CX-60 and NX have good features. But they do things differently. The CX-60 puts the driver first. Its cockpit feels very intuitive. Controls are easy to reach. High-quality materials are everywhere. Think leather seats. There are also nice wood accents. Mazda says it has lots of legroom. Cargo space is good, too. You get 1,700 liters with seats down. That’s plenty for many trips.
The Lexus NX goes all in on luxury. Its cabin feels very premium. Everything just looks richer. It has a bigger screen for infotainment. This screen blends into the design well. Lexus truly invested in technology. Their multimedia system is advanced. It works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Consumer Reports survey in 2023 said something. 78% of NX owners liked their tech. Only 70% of CX-60 owners felt that way.
Now, some people prefer physical buttons. They are easier to use while driving. The CX-60 keeps more of these. The NX relies more on its big screen. This can be a personal preference. Some find large screens distracting. Others love the modern feel.
Lexus also puts passengers first. The NX has really soft seats. Ambient lighting makes it cozy. It has a much quieter cabin. Extra sound insulation helps a lot. This car truly absorbs road noise. If you want a calm drive, this is it. The NX might win for quiet comfort. I am excited to see how car companies keep improving. They are always trying new things. It’s encouraging to see such focus on comfort.
Performance and Driving Experience
Now, let’s talk about driving. This is where you truly feel the difference. The Mazda CX-60 has a 2.5-liter engine. It makes 187 horsepower. Torque is 186 lb-ft. It uses an 8-speed automatic. This gives a smooth but engaging drive. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. That’s good for its class. Mazda’s Skyactiv tech helps with fuel. The CX-60 gets 24 mpg city. It hits 30 mpg on highways. This helps save money.
The Lexus NX offers a stronger engine. It’s a 2.4-liter turbo. This makes 275 horsepower. Torque goes up to 332 lb-ft. It also has an 8-speed automatic. This engine makes acceleration much faster. It reaches 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. That’s a quick jump. The NX also has a hybrid choice. It uses a 2.5-liter engine. Electric motors add power. Total output is 239 horsepower. This hybrid gets amazing mileage. You can get 39 mpg combined. This is a big plus for daily commutes.
Here’s the core of the driving feel. The CX-60 feels sporty. Steering is precise. Its suspension is finely tuned. This car is for those who love to drive. You feel connected to the road. It’s about engagement. On the other hand, the NX is about luxury. It focuses on a smooth ride. It glides over bumps better. Road imperfections hardly register. This is a big help for daily commutes. Long trips feel easy. Edmunds did a study. 65% of buyers want comfort over speed. This might give the NX an edge. I believe it makes sense. People spend hours in their cars.
Think about driving on a rough street. The NX would soak up bumps. The CX-60 might feel more connected. It’s a different kind of pleasure. One is about feeling the road. The other is about not feeling it. What kind of drive do you prefer? This is something to truly ponder.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is super important for families. Both cars offer many advanced features. The CX-60 has Mazda’s i-Activsense. This includes adaptive cruise control. It helps keep your lane. Blind-spot monitoring is also there. Rear cross-traffic alert helps backing up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the CX-60 a 5-star rating. That means it is a reliable car. This is great news for peace of mind.
The Lexus NX also has tons of safety tech. It uses Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This includes pre-collision systems. Lane tracing assist is a big help. Dynamic radar cruise control is also present. The NX also got a 5-star NHTSA rating. So, both cars are very safe. That’s a good thing.
But here’s an interesting point. A survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed something. 89% of Lexus owners felt safer. Only 82% of Mazda owners felt that way. This is about how people feel. It’s not just about crash test numbers. Sometimes perception is key. Maybe the NX’s quiet cabin makes people feel more secure. It’s something to think about. Car safety has come so far. We went from basic seatbelts. Now cars can brake themselves. It’s truly amazing progress.
Pricing and Value
Let’s talk about the money side. The Mazda CX-60 starts around $39,000. The Lexus NX begins at about $43,000. That’s a difference. We need to look at what you get for the price. The CX-60 could be a better deal. It’s for those wanting sportiness. It won’t empty your wallet. The NX costs more. It offers luxury and cool tech. That’s how it earns its price tag.
Resale value is a big deal. Lexus cars usually keep their value well. Kelley Blue Book says Lexus ranks high. This matters for long-term owners. Imagine having a car that stays valuable. That’s nice for future trade-ins. It saves you money later.
But here’s another perspective. The CX-60 costs less upfront. Its initial depreciation amount is smaller. Even if it loses a higher percentage. The dollar amount lost might be less. Also, consider insurance costs. Luxury cars often cost more to insure. Repair costs can also differ. Lexus parts might be pricier. This is something to research. Think about the total cost. Don’t just look at the sticker price. What will it cost over five years? It’s a smart way to think.
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
Hearing from actual owners is important. Their experiences matter greatly. Both vehicles have loyal fans. But they want different things. Mazda CX-60 owners often talk about its handling. They love the sporty feel. Its design also gets high marks. An AutoTrader survey found something. 82% of CX-60 owners were very happy. They felt good about their choice.
The Lexus NX is known for comfort. It is also famous for luxury. J.D. Power reported that 88% of NX owners. They would tell others to buy one. This is a very high number. It seems buyers wanting luxury go for the NX. Those wanting a smooth drive pick the NX. They value the calm, quiet ride.
Honestly, it makes sense. If you crave spirited driving. The CX-60 delivers thrills. If you want peace and quiet. The NX is a calm haven. Different strokes for different folks, right? Some owners mention the Mazda’s firm ride. They say it’s too stiff sometimes. Lexus owners sometimes wish for more power. It’s always a trade-off. We need to understand our own needs.
Conclusion: Which Provides a Smoother Driving Experience?
So, which car gives you that smoother ride? It seems to me the Lexus NX wins here. Its luxury focus helps a lot. The cabin is quieter. Its advanced suspension system makes for a comfy ride. The hybrid option is also impressive. It saves fuel. It doesn’t give up power. This makes daily driving very relaxed.
But don’t count out the Mazda CX-60. If you love an engaging drive, pick it. It’s hard to beat its sporty feel. It balances performance well. It’s also very practical. This makes it a strong contender. It offers a different kind of joy.
Ultimately, your choice is personal. What do you value most? Do you want luxury and comfort? Or do you seek sportiness and engagement? Both cars offer so much. We need to weigh these things. Making an informed decision is key. I believe knowing these differences helps greatly. Each car has unique strengths. The right choice is up to you. Think about what truly matters. Is it performance, luxury, or safety? Consider them all carefully.
Looking ahead, compact SUVs are changing. Electric options are growing fast. More tech features are coming too. Autonomous driving will play a role. Car companies are working on it. These vehicles will get even smarter. They might even drive themselves soon. Fuel efficiency will always be a focus. Lighter materials are being used. I am happy to see how car companies keep pushing limits. It’s exciting to see what’s next. We need to be ready for these changes. Choosing wisely today helps with tomorrow. Let’s make smart choices together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Mazda CX-60 good for families?
Yes, it can work well for families. It offers good cargo space. Rear seats fold down for more room. Its safety ratings are high.
What is Lexus’s spindle grille?
It is a signature design element. It makes the front of the car unique. Some people love it. Others find it polarizing.
Does the CX-60 have a hybrid option?
In some markets, yes, it does. Not all regions get it. Check local Mazda offerings. The NX has a strong hybrid.
Is Lexus more expensive to maintain than Mazda?
Generally, yes, Lexus can be pricier. Luxury car parts often cost more. Dealership service might also be higher. Mazda aims for affordability.
Which car has better fuel economy?
The Lexus NX Hybrid is the winner here. It gets much better combined mpg. The standard NX is also efficient. Mazda’s Skyactiv is good, too.
Do both cars have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, both offer these features. They help connect your phone easily. This is standard in most new cars now.
Which car is quieter on the highway?
The Lexus NX usually provides a quieter ride. It has more sound insulation. This reduces road and wind noise. It’s a calmer experience.
Is the CX-60 truly sporty?
Many drivers find it quite sporty. It has precise steering. Its suspension offers good feedback. It’s built for engaging drives.
What is Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy?
It means Soul of Motion. It tries to show energy. It makes cars look alive. It’s about capturing movement.
Does Lexus have better resale value?
Historically, Lexus holds value better. Kelley Blue Book often confirms this. It’s a factor for long-term ownership.
Is the larger screen in the NX better?
It depends on your preference. Some love big screens. Others prefer physical buttons. The CX-60 has more buttons.
Can I get all-wheel drive on both models?
Yes, both models offer all-wheel drive. This gives better traction. It helps in various weather conditions. It adds security.
Myth: Luxury cars are always unreliable. True or False?
False! Lexus often ranks very high. They are known for reliability. Mazda also builds dependable cars. It’s about the brand.
Myth: Sporty SUVs are uncomfortable. True or False?
False, not always. The CX-60 is sporty. But it still offers comfort. It’s a balance. Some people prefer that feel.
What are common complaints about the CX-60?
Some drivers find its ride a bit firm. Others mention its infotainment system. It might not be as modern as some rivals.
What are common complaints about the NX?
Some owners wish for more power in base models. The large touchscreen can be distracting for some. Road noise is still present.
Is the NX a good choice for long road trips?
Absolutely! Its quiet cabin and comfortable seats. They make long journeys easy. It truly helps you relax.
What is the typical warranty for these cars?
Both typically offer similar basic warranties. Often 3 years/36,000 miles. Powertrain warranties are usually longer. Check specifics for each.
