2020 Lexus GX vs 2019 Mazda CX-5

2019 Mazda CX-5
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$24,350

MSRP

$53,000

Average price

$19,949

Average price

$40,602

Listings

757

Listings

140

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Off-road capability
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Uninspired styling

2019 Mazda CX-5 Reviews Summary

In a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature.

2020 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility.

There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX.

You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

15

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

19
2019 Mazda CX-5
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus GX
$53,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$24,350
$53,000
Average price
$19,949
$40,602
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.8
4.8
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Off-road capability
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Uninspired styling
Summary
In a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature.

Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility.

There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX.

You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages.

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 187 hp I4
4.6L 301 hp V8
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
25
15
MPG Highway
31
19
Look and feel
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
2020 Lexus GX
7/10

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 7 out of 10.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is described as the best-looking, best-driving midsize crossover on the market. The base Sport trim comes with LED headlights, a push-button ignition, a 7-inch touchscreen, and an impressive safety suite. Move up to the Touring trim and Mazda adds keyless entry, a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate vents, heated front seats, and an upgraded stereo. The Grand Touring and Signature trims offer even more luxury and technology features.

The 2020 Lexus GX, while long in the tooth, offers a rugged and capable platform shared with the Toyota 4Runner. It features a distinctively designed front end and headlights, and its interior, while dated, is functional and well-suited for rough-and-tumble SUV use. The GX is available in three trims: the 460, the 460 Premium, and the 460 Luxury, each offering a range of standard and optional features.

Performance
2019 Mazda CX-5
8/10
2020 Lexus GX
9/10

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 9 out of 10.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 offers a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in the base trims. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims feature a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The handling has been improved with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system, offering better bump absorption and steering feel.

The 2020 Lexus GX is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It features a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. The GX offers a smooth yet composed ride, and its 4WD system makes it highly capable off-road. It can tow up to 6,500 pounds and provides a surprisingly tight turning radius.

Form and function
2019 Mazda CX-5
8/10
2020 Lexus GX
8/10

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 8 out of 10.

The Mazda CX-5 offers captivating looks, spirited performance, and useful space. It provides 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and offers a range of amenities across its trims. The 2020 Lexus GX offers second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in the Luxury trim. With all rear seats folded, it offers 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Technology
2019 Mazda CX-5
7/10
2020 Lexus GX
6/10

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 6 out of 10.

The Mazda CX-5 now comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all trims above the base Sport. The MazdaConnect infotainment system is attractive and responsive, and the GT Premium package adds several advanced tech features. The 2020 Lexus GX features a touchscreen infotainment system that, while dated, is a true touchscreen and offers large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
2020 Lexus GX
8/10

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 8 out of 10.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with Mazda's i-ActiveSense safety suite, including automatic headlights, wipers, and high beams; lane-departure warning and assist; adaptive cruise control; and a forward-collision warning and mitigation system. The 2020 Lexus GX comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
2020 Lexus GX
7/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of style, performance, technology, and safety features at a competitive price point.

Choose the 2020 Lexus GX if:

7.5of 10overall
  • You require a rugged and capable SUV with 3 rows of seats and exceptional off-road capability.
  • You prioritize a smooth and composed ride with a powerful V8 engine and advanced 4WD system.
  • You value a spacious and functional interior with a range of luxury and technology features.In conclusion the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a well-rounded and cost-effective midsize crossover.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 emerges as the more highly rated vehicle, offering a compelling combination of style, performance, technology, and safety features at a competitive price point.

Choose the 2020 Lexus GX if:

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7.5of 10overall
  • You require a rugged and capable SUV with 3 rows of seats and exceptional off-road capability.
  • You prioritize a smooth and composed ride with a powerful V8 engine and advanced 4WD system.
  • You value a spacious and functional interior with a range of luxury and technology features.In conclusion the 2019 Mazda CX-5 is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a well-rounded and cost-effective midsize crossover.
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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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