2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, standing tall at 74.2 inches. Its front end appeared ready to dominate the road, with massive headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to maneuver in technical driving situations. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic, which detracted from its luxury appeal, though it did offer features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It exuded a small luxury SUV feel, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and interior noise, enhancing its driving dynamics. The CX-5's interior featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a range of comfort features, though it fell short in terms of technology, storage space, and rear-seat room.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. Its towing capacity of 6,500 pounds was notable, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable roll through corners, and its driving dynamics were improved with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a standard 4WD system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, especially with premium fuel, and the CX-5's updates in 2022 enhanced its structural rigidity and suspension, resulting in a more refined ride. The CX-5's AWD system was standard, and its fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo model achieving 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and connected ride quality.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, and its door pockets were small. The GX retained physical controls, which were appreciated by those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support, with power adjustment available on higher trims. The Signature trim offered luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and a range of comfort features. However, the CX-5's interior fell short in terms of technology and storage space. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded. While the CX-5's interior materials were top-notch, its technology and rear-seat room were less impressive.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the system lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The lack of a voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it distracting. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. Despite this, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety technology was commendable for a vehicle originally engineered for the 2010 model year.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with i-Activsense technology offering a range of driver assistance features. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included exclusive features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a potential safety concern.