2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color. This model eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a sleek, dark presence on the road. However, it took less than a day for a layer of dust to make the Lexus look old and shabby. Despite its modern touches like the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation predecessor from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was top-notch, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, the CX-30 was essentially a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, and its slight curve could distort the view for taller drivers. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best in its class, blending conventional and digital displays seamlessly. However, the infotainment system had a steep learning curve, prioritizing form over function.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 5,126-pound curb weight, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing 40% of power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear under normal conditions. The GX's drag coefficient was 0.35, contributing to its EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and manual tap-shift mode added to its sporty feel. The ride was refined and sporty, with well-weighted steering and minimal body roll, though it could be rough over potholes and bumpy roads.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The seats were comfortable, and the interior featured physical controls clearly labeled in white on a matte-black background. However, the placement of the stereo and off-roading controls was confusing. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. The rear seats were tricky to access, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate made loading difficult, and the cargo capacity was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. The power rear liftgate was a helpful feature. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the rear seats when folded. The center console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. The rear seats provided solid headroom and were suitable for adults on short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be uncomfortable due to limited headroom compared to the larger CX-5.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A CD player and a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app with connected services, including a WiFi hotspot, were also available. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included standard Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, lacked touch functionality, making it difficult to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating between presets and exiting CarPlay was cumbersome. Despite the learning curve, the system was functional once set up, but it could be distracting for new users.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its older structural design, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it included standard Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. The GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, but this absence contributed to a more straightforward driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The adaptive front headlights and 360-degree parking camera were particularly useful. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick+ award.