2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a distinctive design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, black side mirror housings, and matte black body cladding. This gave the vehicle a unique, almost floating appearance, as if it were cresting a hill at speed. The CX-30 stood out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, offering a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s upscale vibe with quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces. The Premium Plus trim added chrome accents and a frameless rearview mirror, with options for black or Griege leatherette upholstery, or black or white leather in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition aimed for a blacked-out aesthetic, available in Black Onyx, Starfire Pearl, or Nori Green Pearl. The Black Line treatment removed most chrome, giving the SUV a dark, imposing look. However, the GX’s design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX offered a comfortable ride with a standard V8 engine, but its overall design and features felt old-fashioned compared to more modern competitors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 lb-ft, providing strong acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ AWD, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving dynamics. The CX-30 Turbo achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 24.1 mpg. The SUV’s off-road capabilities were bolstered by 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and an Off-Road mode, making it versatile for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. Despite its 5,126-pound curb weight, the GX managed a 7.8-second 0-60 mph time and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX’s fuel economy was a modest 16 mpg combined, slightly better in real-world testing at 16.8 mpg. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road performance, but the GX’s slow steering and touchy brakes detracted from its overall driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel in higher trims. The cabin’s design created a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat space was cramped for adults. Cargo space was 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded down. However, the placement of the wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was inconvenient.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided a high driving position with 10-way power-adjustable seats and clear visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the rear seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, which was 11.6 cubic feet with all seats up, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading inconvenience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo’s 8.8-inch infotainment display was not a touchscreen, operated instead by physical controls and voice commands. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system in higher trims. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience. However, the interface for changing radio stations was cumbersome.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system also included a CD player and a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The voice recognition technology was quick and accurate, and the dual-screen view was a useful feature. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems. Premium Plus trim added features like front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system provided additional peace of mind.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age but included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it missed some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.