2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Riding on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the view of the road, which was distracting.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the smooth dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside. The trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury elements, with the Turbo Premium Plus offering front-and-rear parking sensors and additional driver assistance features.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the model year, was tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, except for the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with a blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. The RX models carried too much visual weight over the front wheels, and the wheelbase stretch reduced the SUV’s rear overhang, making it look smaller than its predecessor.

Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance with less switchgear and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX 500h's interior was all black, with the option for Rioja Red upholstery for a splash of contrast and color. Lexus had not announced prices for the new RX models, but estimates suggested the RX 350h Luxury would be just over $60,000, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance would be close to $70,000.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine in our test model delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque 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, and the Sport mode altered throttle response and shift mapping for a livelier drive. The CX-30 had well-weighted steering, quick turn-in, and minimal body roll, but the ride could be rough over potholes and bumpy roads.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid's previous RX 450h model used a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a continuously variable transmission and electronic AWD, producing 308 horsepower and achieving up to 30 mpg in combined driving. The new RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine-based hybrid powertrain, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, averaging 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and Direct4 AWD system, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, but only achieved 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, but accessing drive modes through the infotainment system was cumbersome. The RX 350h averaged 32 mpg, falling short of the estimated 36 mpg but still better than other RX versions.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use, which was average for the subcompact SUV segment. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the rear-seat headroom of the larger CX-5.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid's RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the back seat, raising the seat cushion and reducing rear headroom. The new RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, an improvement over the old RX 450h but still falling short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's elegant dash design featured an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. The lack of touch functionality made operating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto frustrating. The system was inspired by older versions of BMW's iDrive, which had poor usability. Navigating between presets and getting out of Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, making the system maddening even after spending time learning it.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid's new infotainment system, Lexus Interface, required activation of free trial subscriptions to various connected services plans and creating a user profile. The system included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. The touchscreen's size was appreciated, but it could only display one screen menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The lack of a tuning knob and the dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel were also drawbacks. The available head-up display had issues with polarized sunglasses, making it difficult to see the functions.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features, including 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 CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist automatically slowed the RX when the accelerator pedal was released. The new front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some irritations, and the driver monitoring system could be blocked by a driver's arm. The Traffic Jam Assist system allowed low-speed, hands-free driving, and Advanced Park was available for semi-autonomous parking.