2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, but also an abundance of plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the 2.5 S and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower in the 2.5 Turbo. The CX-30's design was artful yet marred by excessive gray body cladding. Inside, the upscale cabin featured quality materials, with most trims offering leather upholstery and gloss black trim. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model boasted a tasteful combination of off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents, making it look like an entry-level luxury SUV.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power rise and a distinctive sound. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but its predictable and controllable nature, along with strong brakes, made it manageable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower for a total of 191, with 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the 2.5 Turbo produced up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's 3,525-pound weight and eight inches of ground clearance provided robust acceleration and a smooth ride. However, the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus, trustworthy brakes, and excellent steering. On city streets, the brake pedal required more muscle than expected, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, and the door pockets were small. The GX's physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open, and the 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 down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat offered only four-way manual adjustment, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space included a center armrest bin, glove compartment, small tray, and door panel bins. The power liftgate revealed 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the CX-30 lacked nooks, nets, or underfloor storage.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the graphics lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included a CD player, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, and three years of Lexus Enform Remote. Off-road capabilities were a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Off-Road Package further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: no touchscreen, lack of conversational voice-recognition technology, and no tuning knob. The 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard, offering Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was an extra-cost accessory. The system's controls required quick looks down, and the voice-recognition system had a 50 percent success rate.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its 2010 engineering, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact crash protection and standard rear side airbags. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.