2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Lexus NX

For 2021, Lexus offered three versions of the NX: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX 300 was also available in base and Luxury trims. The 2021 NX carried over Lexus's familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines that gave it a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport added a sportier appearance with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport models boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme, among other traditional colorways. The material fit and finish were excellent, as expected from Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with 3D speedometer and tachometer displays, though it looked dated compared to all-digital displays in competitors. The center stack, featuring a rare CD player and elevated climate-control buttons, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. The interior remained unchanged stylistically, with the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints about the front seats.

Mazda simplified the trim levels, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S came in base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, while the 2.5 Turbo was available in base and Signature trims. The test vehicle was a 2.5 Turbo with optional Soul Red paint, navigation system, rear bumper guard, and a package including roof rails and crossbars, totaling $39,445. The 2022 CX-5's driving dynamics were improved, offering a quieter and smoother ride with reduced body roll and enhanced handling.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for the segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The NX F Sport featured Active Sound Control, enhancing the engine note electronically through the speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar city/highway numbers but a combined 24 mpg. The NX F Sport AWD also achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering was numb.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The revised six-speed automatic transmission offered more responsive performance, and all CX-5s came standard with all-wheel drive. The EPA rated the fuel economy at 26 mpg combined. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, running on premium gas, produced 256 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque, while regular gas yielded 227 hp and 310 pound-feet. The EPA estimated 24 mpg combined for the Turbo, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg.

The 2.5 Turbo trims and the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The 2022 CX-5's increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning provided a quieter and smoother ride with improved driving dynamics. The CX-5 offered a blend of compliance and composure, instilling trust in the driver and making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX's upscale interior was both stylish and comfortable. The front seats provided ample room for adults, and the second-row seats offered sufficient legroom for two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the NX featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal. 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. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings. The new seats provided better comfort and support, and the driving position was sportier. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for added comfort.

The control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was a source of frustration, lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. However, once acclimated, the center console controls were manageable. Storage space was limited, with a small bin under the center armrest and wireless smartphone charging in a tray forward of the transmission shifter. The CX-5's cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment screen raised high above the center stack. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package, which included predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the Navigation package added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist, an in-car personal concierge. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with the latter integrating Google Assistant. The Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus.

Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a moonroof and heated steering wheel. The standard Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an upgrade to a 10-speaker system available in the Navigation package. A Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on the top-tier NX. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to lock/unlock doors, start/stop the engine, and adjust climate control remotely, with a free three-year trial subscription. Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts and a 10-year subscription.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed touchscreens caused driver distraction and did not include natural voice recognition. Instead, users had to operate the system using center console and steering wheel controls. While acclimation was possible, the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services, with a three-year trial subscription.

Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed adequately. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard from this trim level.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard 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, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification. The IIHS gave the NX top "Good" scores in all crash tests, a "Superior" rating for front crash-prevention technology, and an "Acceptable" score for the LATCH system's ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense package, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Signature trim included Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-centering during busy commutes.

The i-Activsense system operated mostly in the background, with tactile and audible alerts available. The head-up display showed blind-spot warnings, reducing the need to look at the side mirror. The IIHS awarded the 2022 CX-5 a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, a distinction few rivals could match.