2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Lexus GX

During the 2020 Mazda CX-30's development, a decision was made to cover its lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding. This choice was widely considered a mistake, as it made the 18-inch wheels look too small and gave the vehicle an awkward, lifted appearance. Reducing the cladding by half would have significantly improved the styling. Despite this, the CX-30's design was otherwise praised, especially its luxurious interior above the midpoint of the cabin. Below that, hard plastic was prevalent, but given the price, it was expected. The CX-30's pricing started at $21,900, with various trims and options pushing the cost up to $32,120 for a fully loaded model.

The 2020 Lexus GX, introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, continued to show its age despite some new design tweaks. The updated GX adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which was better suited to the GX than the larger LX. The GX's decade-old platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, emphasized rugged capability over innovation. Inside, the cabin retained its early 2010s styling with a large, chunky center console and big buttons. 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.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a smooth and refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its competitive figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was excellent, making the most of the available power. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, less than some competitors but sufficient for most small crossover needs. Driving dynamics were a mixed bag; compared to the Mazda3, the CX-30 felt slower and less agile, but it ranked high among small crossovers for driving pleasure. Fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 23.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While modern V6 and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines could exceed these figures, the V8 provided a unique swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light but direct, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension settings. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. Fuel economy was a weak point, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance. Inside, the cabin was upscale and elegant, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, and the gauges were large and simple. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, suitable for younger children or shorter adults. Cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, less than many competitors.

The 2020 Lexus GX's Premium and Luxury trims offered second-row captain's chairs, with the Luxury trim featuring power-folding third-row seats. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX had a unique side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch, adding convenience for accessing the cargo area.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30's technology was functional but not overly advanced. The 8.8-inch static display was integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a touchscreen to keep driver focus on the road. However, the controls were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services with a 3-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Select trim, and higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, using the last generation of Lexus Enform. The true touchscreen was flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering simplicity over modern systems. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this, many drivers appreciated the straightforward interface.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, with a generous list of standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and impressive crash-test ratings. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while Premium trim included adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with Premium trim.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with large windows and mirrors, added to its safety.