2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Lexus GX

Mazda executed the concept of premium with the 2020 CX-5 by focusing on captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement. This model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance, along with modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received an increase in torque output, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, both exterior and interior, was distinctive and upscale, with the Signature trim featuring premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, although the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained the same basic body shell from a decade ago, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The Premium trim level now came with standard silver 18-inch wheels. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim level.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available in FWD or AWD. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. Despite a 3,825-pound curb weight, the turbocharged CX-5 accelerated with authority, though it was less efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg on the testing loop. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and upgraded brakes contributed to an engaging driving experience, although excessive body motions and a high center of gravity detracted from its overall thrill.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 5,130-pound weight impacted its performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Multi-Terrain Select.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but it compensated with an upscale cabin and generous standard equipment. The CX-5's interior featured classy gauges, elegant metallic accents, and comfort upgrades in higher trims, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and Nappa leather in the Signature trim. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard, high center console, and limited legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position felt bus-like. However, the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility. The center-console storage bin, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders were small, but the array of buttons and knobs for controls was user-friendly. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, though the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which included a 7-inch touchscreen in the Sport trim and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system offered Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, and integrated internet radio apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Touring trim onwards. The Signature trim added a navigation system, surround-view camera, and SiriusXM data subscription. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, and the voice-recognition technology was unreliable.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, making it easier to use than touchscreen-centric systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense banner, including 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 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.