2022 Lexus NX 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 CX-5 Sport featured automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry. 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 offering.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its jutting spindle grille and refined styling details. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The NX 350 F Sport featured a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it had sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner. The Luxury trim included real leather and open-pore wood trim, with a panoramic sunroof available for the first time. The new dashboard design created a more intimate and cozy feeling compared to the previous NX.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. AWD was standard on these models. The most fuel-efficient version was the FWD with the non-turbo engine, earning 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbo engine provided a spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions. The NX 350h hybrid had a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, with AWD standard. The base NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 Luxury offered a softer and more relaxed driving character. Lexus estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable seating position and good headroom in both rows, but legroom for back seat passengers was limited. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. However, the larger shifter took up passenger space, and the infotainment system controls were not in the most intuitive position. The CX-5 had 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the segment.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo. The new dashboard design created a cozy feeling, and the front seats were comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated options. The F Sport trim had better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was not user-friendly. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites was a drawback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for entertainment needs.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, which included large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 had a long list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which featured Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.