If you want to compare SUVs to find the ideal hybrid model for daily driving in El Monte, California, two options to consider are the 2025 Lexus UX Hybrid and Mazda CX-90 hybrid. The UX is small and zippy, making it ideal for city life, while the CX-90 is a larger three-row SUV that features plug-in hybrid technology. Read as we compare these vehicles to help you determine which one fits your lifestyle, budget, and driving needs best as you travel on Southern California’s roads.
Key Points To Consider
Size and purpose set these vehicles apart. The 2025 Lexus UX 300h generates 196 hp from its hybrid system and fits neatly into the compact luxury crossover category, while the 2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid produces 323 hp from its 2.5-liter turbo plug-in setup. It offers more space and power for families who are on the go.
Seating is another clear divider. The UX Hybrid fits five people comfortably, while the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid can carry up to eight people across three rows, but the third row is tight for adults. The weight gap is also noteworthy, with the CX-90 tipping the scales at 5,267 pounds. The UX Hybrid is much lighter and nimbler at 3,455 pounds.
Quick Winner Overview by Category
Fuel savings may be the most significant consideration. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) UX Hybrid sits near the top of the efficiency charts, getting 45 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined. Although the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid achieves 56 MPGe combined, it gets only 25 mpg on gas alone.
Both SUVs score top marks for safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the UX Hybrid five out of five stars for overall safety, and the Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid matches those impressive ratings. The UX Hybrid also edges ahead in reliability, since Consumer Reports ranks Lexus as the second-most-trusted luxury brand. For towing, the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid can pull up to 3,500 pounds, while the UX Hybrid doesn’t have towing capabilities.
Pricing and Value Analysis
Value-wise, the UX Hybrid edges ahead, with the 300h starting at a much more reasonable price than the CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid. The UX Hybrid lineup includes the following FWD or all-wheel-drive (AWD) trims:
300h: $38,035 FWD/$39,605 AWD
300h Premium: $41,235 FWD/$42,805 AWD
300h F SPORT Design: $41,985 FWD/$43,555 AWD
300h F SPORT Handling: $46,500 FWD/$48,070 AWD
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid has a higher starting MSRP at approximately $51,475 for the base Preferred, climbing to around $59,480 for the Premium Plus.
Long-Term Value Considerations
The UX Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy translates to real savings for daily driving around El Monte, whether commuting to work or exploring local wineries. With LA gas prices above the national average, these fuel savings are a benefit. Add in the UX Hybrid’s lower sticker price and better reliability scores, and the math works out nicely if you plan to keep your car for a while and don’t need three rows.
Hybrid Powertrain Performance
The UX Hybrid comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that make a combined 196 hp at 6,000 rpm and 139 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The system switches between electric and gas power for optimal efficiency. The UX can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds with FWD, quick enough for merging onto I-10.
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 323 hp. Its 17.8 kWh battery delivers about 26 miles of electric-only driving, which is sufficient for short trips around town. But real-world testing shows it only gets 24 mpg in the city, far below what the UX Hybrid delivers.
Size and Practicality
The Lexus UX Hybrid is 177 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, 60.6 inches tall on a 103.9-inch wheelbase, and weighs around 3,455 pounds. It’s ideal for tight city spots common around LA. Inside, you’ll find 42.1 inches of front legroom and 33.1 inches of rear legroom, with headroom at 37.3 inches up front and 36.3 inches in the back. There’s 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid’s larger footprint works for families who need that third row and extra space. Behind the third row, you get 14.9 cubic feet of space. Lowering the third row provides 40 cubic feet, with a maximum of 74.2 cubic feet available with all the back seats down.
Technology and Features
The UX Hybrid comes with a standard 8-inch touch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch upgrade. You get wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Options include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker audio setup.
The CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid features either a 10.3- or 12.3-inch touch screen with Mazda Connect, Bluetooth, and wireless charging options. Audio ranges from a standard eight-speaker setup to an optional 12-speaker Bose system. The i-Activsense safety package brings all the driver aids you’d expect, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
Find Your Perfect Hybrid SUV at Longo Lexus
The 2025 Lexus UX Hybrid offers everything you want for driving in and around El Monte: luxury comfort, modern safety technology, fuel efficiency, incredible value, and solid Lexus reliability. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact our Longo Lexus team today to take the 2025 UX Hybrid for a test-drive.
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