2023 Mazda CX-5 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 quickly accumulated dust, making it look old and shabby. 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 predecessor from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 exuded a sense of quality and sophistication that belied its mass-market status. The CX-5's stylish design and high-quality materials made it feel more like a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the vehicle boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Despite its cramped back seat, limited cargo area, and frustrating infotainment system, the CX-5 remained an excellent choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. Mazda's decision to rename and redesign the CX-5 as the CX-50 was a strategic move, allowing consumers to transition smoothly to the new model.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. 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. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a dismal 16 mpg in combined driving, even on premium gas. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved its ride quality, making it more stable and secure, though the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The turbo engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, provided a more exhilarating driving experience. The CX-5's fuel economy was better, with the turbo model achieving 24 mpg in combined driving. Mazda's updates to the CX-5's structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission made it feel more refined and responsive, enhancing its sporty driving dynamics.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear outward visibility from its 10-way power-adjustable seat. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, though some switchgear felt outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the rear seat was difficult to access, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo capacity of 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were redesigned for improved comfort and support, with power adjustment available on higher trims. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, a cramped back seat, and less cargo space than some rivals. It offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. Despite these limitations, the CX-5's high-quality materials and refined design made it feel upscale.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over the previous model. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system's dual-screen view allowed simultaneous display of the navigation map and radio. However, the placement of stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward. The GX also offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system and various connected services, including a WiFi hotspot.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with its 10.25-inch display, looked appealing but was frustrating to use. The lack of a helpful voice recognition system and the awkward physical controls on the center console made it distracting. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and a front-facing camera with a surround-view system.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, came with Lexus Safety System+, which included 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 lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. There were no crash-test ratings available for the GX.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense driver assistance technologies as standard. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a head-up display in higher trims. The CX-5 also featured a rear low-speed automatic emergency braking system and Traffic Jam Assist. It performed exceptionally well in crash tests, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with the CX-5.