2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated black accents. It featured shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, and black side mirror housings, all contributing to a bold aesthetic. The matte black body cladding added to its unique appearance, giving it a floating look over the wheels, which was a departure from the Mazda3 hatchback it was based on. The CX-30 stood higher off the ground, both visually and physically, offering a different experience when entering the vehicle. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3 with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design, featuring stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a choice of leatherette or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level. The Premium Plus trim added a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror, enhancing its upscale vibe. Pricing for the CX-30 Turbo ranged from $31,000 to $35,745, depending on the trim and options.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a massive grille that was distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. Despite this, the GX offered standard leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim. The GX's design was more traditional, focusing on ruggedness and off-road capability rather than contemporary luxury.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring strong acceleration at lower engine speeds. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 24.1 mpg, resulting in a driving range of just over 305 miles. Mazda's engineering focused on delivering a satisfying driving experience, with effortless acceleration and minimal torque steer, thanks to the revised GVC-Plus technology and i-Activ AWD system. The CX-30 Turbo's handling was less sharp than the Mazda3 due to its added height and weight, but it compensated with 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and an Off-Road mode for improved off-road performance.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids. An optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its off-road prowess, making it a strong contender for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin's design was spacious and minimalistic, with high-quality materials and an intimate layout. However, the rear seat was cramped for adults, though rear-seat air conditioning vents provided some comfort. The CX-30 Turbo offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The center console's wireless smartphone charger location limited storage options, but overall, the CX-30 was practical for its size.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. The dashboard's shape and boxy profile provided excellent visibility, but the center-console storage was small, and the third row was best suited for children. The GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, but the third row eliminated most cargo space when in use. The GX's interior was functional but lacked the modern luxury expected in its class.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While not a touchscreen, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Premium trims added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, along with a head-up display for enhanced safety.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system available. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, but analog controls provided a straightforward interface.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS features. Premium trims added adaptive lighting, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included the Lexus Safety System+ with standard driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed some advanced features found in other Lexus models.