2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Lexus NX

Mazda executed the concept of premium exceptionally well with the 2020 CX-5. The automaker's commitment to building better cars was evident through captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement. The 2020 model year saw more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance. Modifications were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, and the turbocharged engine received an increase in torque output. The CX-5's design, both exterior and interior, was appealing, distinctive, and upscale, especially in the Signature trim with premium Nappa leather upholstery and real wood accents.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines that made it look similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the NX F Sport models featured quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, maintaining the high standards expected from Lexus. However, the gauge cluster and center stack design appeared dated compared to newer competitors.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, the turbocharged CX-5 accelerated with authority but was less efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg in testing. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but excessive body motions and a high center of gravity detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The NX's fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 25 mpg combined and the AWD model 24 mpg combined. The F Sport variant featured an adaptive-suspension system for a smoother ride, but the steering lacked feedback, making the driving experience less engaging.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and well-appointed, but it was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5 offered various comfort features across its trims, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim added luxury touches like Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. However, the front seats were small, and rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a comfortable and upscale interior, with ample room for front and rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered good legroom. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX also offered a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats as options.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen in the Sport trim and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Grand Touring trim added a Bose premium sound system, while the Signature trim included a navigation system and a surround-view camera. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, and the voice-recognition technology was unreliable.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hot spot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app. However, the Lexus infotainment system was not user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under the i-Activsense banner, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, 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, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety features like emergency assistance and automatic collision notification.