2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its huge 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 massive headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned for 2023 with three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive 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 flared fenders added to its chunky motif, but the overall aesthetic leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The hood's design made technical driving easier, especially on inclines.

Inside, the GX's luxury badge was somewhat betrayed by the amount of plastic material. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's low sales volume meant Lexus had to keep manufacturing costs low, resulting in a dated design. Despite this, the GX managed to offer a blend of luxury and ruggedness, making it a unique choice in its segment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to ensure it wasn't mistaken for a car by coating the lower portions of the body with excessive charcoal-colored plastic. Despite this, the CX-30 was appealing with its short overhangs, long and low hood, sculpted flanks, squat greenhouse, and rakish roofline. Black wheels added to its sporty look. Inside, the CX-30's interior felt a class above, with style, refinement, and attention to detail on par with entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

The CX-30 offered eight versions, with the 2.5 S models featuring a 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo models boasting up to 250 hp. Prices ranged from $24,995 to $36,800, plus a $1,420 destination charge. Our test car, the 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim, featured an exclusive Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior upholstery. The exterior color was polarizing, but it worked well on the SUV. The test model's MSRP was $34,210, including destination.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was depressed. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque from a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8, the GX didn't win many battles on paper but offered a satisfying driving experience. The six-speed automatic transmission and 6,500-pound towing capacity made it capable, though it lagged behind other SUVs. Fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but the roll was predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and solid. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system made it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offered 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). The power delivery was smooth, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD system provided flawless shifting. However, fuel economy was a weak point, with an observed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route, and the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited range. The CX-30 was fun to drive, with a firm, connected ride and excellent outward visibility. It handled back roads with enthusiasm and competence, though it felt soft on narrow, winding roads. The CX-30's standard AWD, Off-Road traction assist setting, and eight inches of ground clearance made it capable on challenging trails.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, and the door pockets were small. The physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid's sliding mechanisms allowed for adjustable armrests. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders. The third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door was problematic. Cargo space was limited, with 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 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior featured quality materials, logical controls, and a traditional PRNDL shifter. Gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching added contrast, while the Terracotta leather seats with simulated Black suede inserts added color. The interior was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the driver and front passenger were comfortable. Storage space was adequate, with a flexible cargo hold offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, revamped for 2022, already looked 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, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo, and a CD player. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX's off-road capability was impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen was far from the driver and front passenger. Mazda's policy of using static displays and a combination of controls aimed to reduce driver distraction, but the lack of natural voice recognition was a drawback. All CX-30s included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and a three-month trial of in-vehicle Wi-Fi. New USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system were available in higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 gained new standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat alert system. These joined forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and a Cruising and Traffic Support system. The CX-30 earned five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.