2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was redesigned with subtle exterior differences between its standard and hybrid models. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, maintained a sleek, understated appearance without overt hybrid branding. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Inside, the RX offered a minimalist design with improved infotainment and luxurious materials, such as Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim in the RX 350h, and a sportier black interior in the RX 500h.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had aged well since its 2017 debut. The new Carbon Turbo trim featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, adding a modern touch. Mazda improved fuel economy for base models and introduced wireless charging and connectivity. The CX-5's interior was upgraded with quality materials, offering a premium feel at a mainstream price. Despite its compact size, the CX-5 provided a comfortable ride with supportive seating and thoughtful design elements.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but only achieving 27 mpg. The RX 500h featured advanced suspension and steering systems, enhancing its sporty driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas. It provided a smooth power delivery, though fuel efficiency was lower at 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's handling was refined with a re-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive, offering a quiet and stable ride. It excelled in various driving conditions, from city streets to mountain roads, with a decent ground clearance for light off-roading.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with ten-way power-adjustable seats in the RX 350h and eight-way in the RX 500h. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded. Rear seating was comfortable, though headroom was limited due to the battery placement and lower roofline.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats with six-way power adjustment for the driver. The interior, though compact, was well-designed with quality materials, offering 30 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet. The CX-5's cabin felt upscale, with thoughtful storage solutions and comfortable seating for four adults.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with connected services, requiring subscriptions post-trial. It featured a cloud-based navigation system and voice assistant but had usability issues with menu navigation and screen reflections. The available head-up display added functionality but had visibility issues with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 avoided touchscreens, favoring traditional controls. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10.25-inch display navigated via a console knob. Mazda Connected Services provided remote features and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Carbon Turbo trim included a premium Bose sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. It included Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, though some features had usability issues, such as the curve-speed reduction tech.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA, though it missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2024.