2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, offering more distinctive illumination. It also had updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the trim levels were restructured into the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter offering a turbocharged engine.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, had a commanding presence. The Black Line Special Edition returned with limited units and exclusive paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX’s interior had a surprising amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales volume and cost-saving measures. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX’s design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota’s blocky designs, making it easier to handle in technical driving situations.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The EPA rated its fuel economy at 26 mpg combined. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, running on premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque, or 227 hp and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. It also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5’s driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, offering a quieter and smoother ride.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GX’s V8 didn’t match the performance of newer engines like Toyota’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged in fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX’s weight made it roll through corners, but its predictable and controllable roll, strong brakes, and communicative road feel made it manageable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, supportive seats and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. 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.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, a deep center console bin, and conveniently placed cupholders. The physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open, and cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch non-touchscreen display. It lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services were standard, with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2023 Lexus GX’s infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and an Off-Road Package.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including 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 system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its older engineering, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked some top-end features like lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition.