2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on other models, it suited the GX better. The vehicle's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to remain relevant despite its age. The interior, however, showed its age with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 aimed to deliver a premium experience with captivating style and continual product improvements. This model year saw more standard equipment, enhanced cabin appearance, and modifications to reduce noise and vibration. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD models gained an off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and upscale. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium materials like Nappa leather and real wood, though the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast. The CX-5 was available in five trims: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature, each offering a range of comfort and luxury features.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While these specs might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering, initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, and the GX excelled in off-road conditions with its various 4WD modes and Downhill Assist Control. The GX could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The turbocharged version of this engine, available in Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims, produced 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. Despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, the turbocharged CX-5 accelerated with authority. The naturally-aspirated engine with AWD achieved 26 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine averaged 22.1 mpg. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving enjoyment, though excessive body motions in curves detracted from the experience. The steering and brakes were responsive, making the CX-5 engaging to drive in typical situations.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. These captain's chairs provided easier access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, the GX's cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with all rear seats folded. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but less practical than traditional designs, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while more upscale, had a more cramped interior compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's interior featured stylish gauges and metallic accents. Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, while higher trims offered ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim included Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. The front seats were comfortable, but rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. A power liftgate was standard on Grand Touring trim and higher.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a simpler, true touchscreen interface flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The system's simplicity was a tradeoff for missing modern connectivity features.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which aimed to emulate luxury brands like Audi and BMW. The system included a 7-inch touchscreen on Sport trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added on Touring trim. Grand Touring trim upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose premium sound system. Signature trim added navigation, a surround-view camera, and a SiriusXM data subscription. Interaction with Mazda Connect could be frustrating, requiring acclimation to the controls. The voice-recognition technology was unreliable, making it best to avoid using it.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's great visibility, thanks to large windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 also had standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual testing parameters.