2023 Lexus RX 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.

The 2023 Lexus RX was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase, yet maintained the same overall length as its predecessor. It offered more cargo space but appeared smaller due to design changes. The front featured a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design. The interior was modernized with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a touchscreen display. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather, real wood, and aluminum trims were used, and the RX was available in multiple trims, including hybrid options.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had 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). It achieved 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with a turbocharged engine, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5’s improved structural rigidity and reworked suspension provided a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, making it a credible alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the FWD version did it in 7.5 seconds. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, offered a more secure and composed ride. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but included heated cushions and air vents. The control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, adequate compared to luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream crossovers.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the Luxury trim featuring semi-aniline leather, ten-way power-adjustable seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim had sportier seats with more bolstering. The back seat was roomy with good leg support but limited headroom for taller passengers. Storage areas were useful, and cargo space was improved to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. It lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims offered a 10-speaker Bose sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. User profiles could be set up, and streaming services like Apple Music were available. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system required tone adjustments for optimal performance. Additional tech included digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and a color head-up display.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the 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, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve speed-reduction. New semi-autonomous features included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. The system had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and issues with polarized sunglasses affecting the HUD. Curve-speed reduction technology was not predictive, and the driver monitoring system could be overly sensitive.