2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish vehicle that stood out in a market filled with deeply-creased hoods and chiseled grilles. Its design was sleek and slippery, even when stationary. The base model, CX-5 Sport, featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier Signature model boasted Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, making it a premium choice.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a bold statement in black-on-black design, with almost all chrome eradicated from its exterior. The Black Line treatment, combined with the Black Onyx paint job, transformed the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was top-notch, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride, thanks to the standard V8 engine.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available in higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The most fuel-efficient version, a FWD model with the non-turbo engine, achieved 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbo engine provided a spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a mere 16 mpg combined, even on premium gas. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal made urban driving less enjoyable.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed for comfort and functionality. The seating position and distance to the center stack were typical for its size, but rear legroom was limited. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections in the rear outboard seats and straightforward climate controls. However, its cargo space was below average, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear visibility. The seats were comfortable, with NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim in the Black Line Special Edition. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry tricky. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. With the third row in use, the GX had just 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46.7 cubic feet with the seats folded and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was not user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the infotainment controls were awkwardly positioned, making them difficult to use.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player and a Lexus app with connected services. However, the stereo controls were poorly placed, making them hard to use. The voice recognition technology was excellent, and the dual-screen view was a useful feature.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Additional safety features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system were available.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors. There were no crash-test ratings available for the GX.