2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Lexus GX

2022 Lexus GX
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Mazda CX-5
2023 Mazda CX-5
$26,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Mazda CX-5
$26,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Lexus GX is 4.2 out of 10, while the 2023 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is the clear choice, offering a better blend of style, performance, safety, and overall value.

Overview

MSRP

$56,125

MSRP

$26,700

Average price

$52,526

Average price

$26,011

Listings

329

Listings

1300
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

4.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Not much cargo space
  • Awful infotainment user interface

2022 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Based on the same rugged traditional body-on-frame SUV platform as the Toyota 4Runner, the 2022 Lexus GX is something akin to a Japanese Land Rover. Designed for maximum off-roading capability and only then refined for use as a luxurious daily driver, it has a standard V8 engine, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and a standard unquenchable thirst for fuel. And though Lexus markets the GX as a three-row, seven-passenger SUV, it is best used to carry five people and 46.7 cubic feet of cargo behind its second-row seat.

2023 Mazda CX-5 Reviews Summary

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is living on borrowed time. The current-generation model has been on sale since 2017, and while it still seems fresh as a daisy, seven years is a long time in the automotive world. In addition, aside from a new Rhodium White premium paint option, Mazda makes no other changes to the 2023 CX-5. Furthermore, the CX-5 now lives side-by-side with the Mazda CX-50, and when you consider the existence of the CX-30, the upcoming CX-90, and the rumored CX-70, well, it certainly doesn’t seem as though the CX-5 will remain in Mazda’s lineup for much longer.
No video found
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

15

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

19

MPG Highway

30
2022 Lexus GX
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Mazda CX-5
2023 Mazda CX-5
$26,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Mazda CX-5
$26,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Lexus GX is 4.2 out of 10, while the 2023 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is the clear choice, offering a better blend of style, performance, safety, and overall value.

Overview
MSRP
$56,125
$26,700
Average price
$52,526
$26,011
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
5.0
Expert reviews

4.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Not much cargo space
  • Awful infotainment user interface
Summary
Based on the same rugged traditional body-on-frame SUV platform as the Toyota 4Runner, the 2022 Lexus GX is something akin to a Japanese Land Rover. Designed for maximum off-roading capability and only then refined for use as a luxurious daily driver, it has a standard V8 engine, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and a standard unquenchable thirst for fuel. And though Lexus markets the GX as a three-row, seven-passenger SUV, it is best used to carry five people and 46.7 cubic feet of cargo behind its second-row seat.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is living on borrowed time. The current-generation model has been on sale since 2017, and while it still seems fresh as a daisy, seven years is a long time in the automotive world. In addition, aside from a new Rhodium White premium paint option, Mazda makes no other changes to the 2023 CX-5. Furthermore, the CX-5 now lives side-by-side with the Mazda CX-50, and when you consider the existence of the CX-30, the upcoming CX-90, and the rumored CX-70, well, it certainly doesn’t seem as though the CX-5 will remain in Mazda’s lineup for much longer.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
4.6L 301 hp V8
2.5L 187 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
15
24
MPG Highway
19
30
Look and feel
2022 Lexus GX
4/10
2023 Mazda CX-5
8/10

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.

Performance
2022 Lexus GX
6/10
2023 Mazda CX-5
8/10

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.

Form and function
2022 Lexus GX
2/10
2023 Mazda CX-5
6/10

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.

Technology
2022 Lexus GX
4/10
2023 Mazda CX-5
3/10

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.

Safety
2022 Lexus GX
4/10
2023 Mazda CX-5
10/10

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.

Cost Effectiveness
2022 Lexus GX
5/10
2023 Mazda CX-5
8/10
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