2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid showcased a redesigned exterior with subtle differences between the RX 350 and RX 350h, 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 specific interior trimmings. The RX models maintained their blunt-nosed appearance, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced the rear overhang, making the new RX look smaller. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic design with contemporary textures, backlit ambient lighting, and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S was powered by 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 in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with a turbocharged engine, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It also featured standard AWD and an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5’s improved structural rigidity and reworked suspension provided a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a new powertrain for the RX 350h, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, with an expected fuel economy of 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering, providing a more athletic driving experience. However, real-world testing showed an average of 20.9 mpg for the RX 500h and 32 mpg for the RX 350h, both falling short of their estimated ratings.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was frustrating due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable experience with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control in the RX 350h Luxury trim. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters and standard heated and ventilated front seats. The battery pack placement under the rear seat resulted in excellent leg support but tight headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, a significant improvement over the previous model but still short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new Lexus Interface infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation system, Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen’s size was appreciated, but it only displayed one menu at a time, and the screen suffered from reflections. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

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, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, which slowed the RX when the accelerator pedal was released, was also included. The front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some irritations, and the driver monitoring system could be blocked by certain driving positions. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though the latter was not tested.