2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim offered a three-row, seven-passenger configuration. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty aesthetic, standing out with its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, creating a striking yet balanced look. The F Sport trim, in particular, emphasized performance with 20-inch wheels and unique design elements, enhancing its athletic appearance. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with F Sport models adding a sporty touch. Despite its high-quality materials, the center stack felt dated, and the seats, especially in the F Sport, lacked comfort and adjustability.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, introduced subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints. The driving position became sportier, and the interior featured dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the back seat remained snug, heated cushions and air vents added comfort. The control layout, however, was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, requiring console and steering wheel controls. Storage space was adequate, with wireless charging and door bins, and cargo capacity was competitive for its class.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the driving experience remained uninspiring. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene ride. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered a turbocharged engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The Turbo model also had standard AWD and returned 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5's driving dynamics improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, delivering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, enhancing the driving experience. The CX-5's handling was precise, with reduced body roll and improved grip, making it a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. Headroom measured 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, with 44.1 inches of front legroom and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo capacity in the two-row RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both rows folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The front passenger seat was height-adjustable in all trims except the base, a rarity among competitors. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated cushions and air vents for added comfort. The control layout was challenging due to the non-touchscreen infotainment system, requiring console and steering wheel controls. Storage space was limited, with a small center armrest bin and wireless charging. Cargo capacity was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream crossovers.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screens were ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system offered voice commands and a touchpad, but both were frustrating to use. The RX included six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, lacking touch capability and natural voice recognition. The system required console and steering wheel controls, which took time to acclimate to. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 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 above featured a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed well in the CX-5.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but missed the top-tier "plus" designation. The NHTSA rated it four stars overall, with five stars in side crashes and four in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals matched.