2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the modern design aesthetic of Lexus with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console was considered bland. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The RX F Sport was the most performance-focused, while the RXL and RXL Hybrid had extended bodies and a third row of seating. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and redesigned front end introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass. Upgrades like 20-inch wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a windshield wiper de-icer were available. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers. The interior boasted standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, with options for semi-aniline leather, heated and ventilated seats, and more. However, the center console design and infotainment system were seen as dated.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim. The interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. New seats provided improved comfort and support. Mazda simplified the trim levels to CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter offering a turbocharged engine. The 2.5 S came in various trims, while the 2.5 Turbo had base and Signature trims. The test vehicle was a 2.5 Turbo with optional features, totaling $39,445. The CX-5's interior was luxurious, with features like dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was a source of frustration, but the new seats and improved driving position were highlights. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp. The FWD RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid achieved 29-31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, offering a dynamic driving experience with some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F-Sport model providing a bit more spirited driving. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7-7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The EPA rated it at 26 mpg combined. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered 256 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 pound-feet on regular gas, with 24 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo trims and higher 2.5 S trims featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The 2022 CX-5 had increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The driving dynamics were improved, with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness, and better handling. The CX-5's ride and handling were praised for their compliance and composure, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating were spacious, but the third row was tight. The RX had 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The RX's cargo space was less than competitors like the Nissan Murano and Honda CR-V. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free liftgate available.

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, with a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone 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. The control layout was frustrating, but the new seats and improved driving position were highlights. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. These numbers were favorable compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touch aspect of the infotainment screen worked well, but the system was not user-friendly. The Remote Touch controller was designed to keep drivers from touching the screen but took up valuable console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Over time, users could acclimate to Mazda's approach, but it was less convenient than touchscreens. The CX-5 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 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 and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid were not tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX lacked advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors. There were two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, including 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, a driver monitoring system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense system was mostly agreeable, with some delay in recognizing cars in moderate traffic. The head-up display showed blind-spot warnings, reducing the need to look away from the road. The IIHS gave the 2022 CX-5 a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, a distinction few rivals could match.