2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and performance. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, looked almost identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any overt hybrid indicators. This understated design was appreciated by those who prefer their hybrids without flashy badges. In contrast, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and reduced rear overhang making it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX offered a minimalist and contemporary cabin, with the RX 350h Luxury featuring luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum accents.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, was noted for its artful design, despite its nose-heavy appearance due to the long hood and stubby rear end. The excessive gray body cladding was a point of contention, as it seemed to overemphasize its SUV identity. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, especially in the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model, which featured off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents. The interior was likened to an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing. However, the lack of legroom in the rear was a drawback, though the padded front seatbacks and ample foot room were appreciated.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains. The RX 350h, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, making it efficient yet slightly less powerful than its predecessor. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Despite its power, it averaged 20.9 mpg, falling short of its estimated 27 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system provided a sporty driving experience, though accessing drive modes through the infotainment system was cumbersome.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, achieving 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged engine, produced up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It provided robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisty roads. However, the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps, impacting ride comfort. The CX-30's G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering made it enjoyable to drive, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort and space. The RX 350h Luxury model featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, standard seat heating and ventilation, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard heated and ventilated seats. The battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was tight. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driver's seat with eight-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat was limited to four-way manual adjustment. Most models featured dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with Turbos adding a heated steering wheel. Rear legroom was tight, but the seat cushion and foot room were adequate. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the lack of underfloor storage and cargo organization options was a drawback.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation, an Intelligent Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system's single-screen view, reflective touchscreen, and lack of a tuning knob were points of frustration. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was problematic for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen, relying on center console controls that required visual reference, causing distraction. The voice-recognition system was not conversational, and the absence of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these flaws, the system featured Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system. The display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and regenerative braking were also included. However, the front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had limitations, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact protection and standard rear side airbags. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The forward-collision system was effective but could be overly sensitive, and the lane-keeping assist worked well in daily driving.