2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

Design was a key focus for Lexus, and the NX featured the brand's signature spindle grille. The styling details reflected a simplified and refined approach, similar to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The new NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a new rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim to emphasize Mazda's premium aspirations. The interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort.

Mazda simplified the trim levels, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S came in base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, with prices ranging from $25,900 to $33,950, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The 2.5 Turbo came in base ($36,400) and Signature ($38,650) trims. The test vehicle was a 2.5 Turbo with optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, and a package including roof rails and crossbars, totaling $39,445.

Electrification was a key focus for Lexus, with the NX 350h offering 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with 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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350. Observed fuel economy was 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury, with an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, but observed fuel economy was 21.1 mpg.

The CX-5 2.5 Turbo and higher trims included Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The 2022 CX-5 featured increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning for a quieter and smoother ride. The driving dynamics were improved, with reduced body roll and a blend of compliance and composure. The CX-5 felt solid and quiet, adding credibility to Mazda's premium brand aspirations.

Lexus claimed the new NX offered more interior room, but it felt more intimate from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering, and the driver’s door panel and center console were padded for comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX had a panoramic glass sunroof and a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. Cargo space increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling, and the new seats provided better comfort and support. The driving position was sportier, and all trims except the base included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. The 2.5 Turbo test vehicle had leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating, with no touchscreen display or natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display, or an optional 14-inch screen. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and 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 a three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles with digital key capability.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, but it was not touch-sensitive and lacked natural voice recognition. The system was operated using center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services. A three-year trial subscription to connected services was included, except for WiFi. The 2.5 S Premium trim and higher included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) with features such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and additional features with Premium trim. The Vision Package added a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 included the i-Activsense package with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5 S Premium added adaptive headlights, while the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Signature also had Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).