2023 Lexus GX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options: 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 flared fenders added to its robust look, but the overall design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky aesthetics. Inside, the GX featured a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, with heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, was lower, wider, and longer, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch. Its broad-shouldered proportions were highlighted by square wheel arches and fake air vents. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher ones. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, our test car, featured all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy color palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the CX-50 impressed with its material quality and fit and finish, though it didn't quite match Mazda's upscale aspirations. The half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models were reminders of Mazda's traditional market position.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 delivered a linear rise in power and noise, providing plenty of low-end torque. However, it lagged behind more modern engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but not class-leading, and its fuel economy was a drawback, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable but controllable roll through corners. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo version delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, and a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's towing capacity ranged from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered otherwise.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, offering only USB-A. The physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The adjustable center console lid and comfortable second-row seats, with optional captain's chairs, added to its practicality. The third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged, non-power-operated trunk door was cumbersome, and the 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 down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It trailed competitors in cargo space, with 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console. Despite the rugged looks of the Meridian Edition, more durable interior materials would have been appropriate.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. Three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo were included. However, the infotainment system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, 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-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The rotary controller provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without taking eyes off the road. However, the infotainment system felt dated, with plain graphics and basic functions. This simplicity could appeal to buyers who preferred minimal tech distractions.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it benefited from Toyota and Lexus's commitment to advanced driver assistance systems. It included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older structural design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in most crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it scored lower in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test and for standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 received five stars for frontal crash and four stars for rollover tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, a driver attention monitor, and emergency lane-keeping with road-keep assist. Optional features included rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.