2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models, including the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance, were redesigned with subtle yet distinct styling cues. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, finished in Iridium silver, maintained a classic look with 21-inch wheels and no overt hybrid indicators, aligning with a preference for understated hybrid aesthetics. In contrast, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. Despite these updates, the RX retained its characteristic blunt-nosed design, with a stretched wheelbase and reduced rear overhang, giving it a slightly smaller appearance. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalist design with fewer controls and an improved infotainment system, featuring ambient lighting and luxurious materials like Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo wood in the RX 350h, while the RX 500h offered a sportier, all-black interior with optional Rioja Red upholstery.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, a rugged counterpart to the CX-5, featured a more robust design with broader dimensions and a longer wheelbase. Its square wheel arches and fake air vents added to its rugged appeal. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a range of styling options, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition emphasizing an active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and optional Apex Package. The earthy color palette and Terracotta leather upholstery enhanced its rugged look. Inside, the CX-50 impressed with its material quality and fit, featuring a BMW-like infotainment screen placement and minimal piano black trim. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models reminding buyers of its traditional market position.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models offered a range of powertrains. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, offering a balance of efficiency and performance. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured a Direct4 AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its athleticism. However, its fuel economy was lower, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 32 mpg, offering better efficiency and a more secure driving experience due to its lower center of gravity and electric assist motor.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The base version produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged variant offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's driving experience differed from the CX-5, focusing more on daily driving comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 remained well-mannered, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a comfortable daily driver.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort and space. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system, creating a luxurious environment. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard heated and ventilated seats. The hybrids' battery packs were placed under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was tight. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5. The CX-50's cargo area was less accommodating for bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high, making it less practical for shorter users. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, maintaining a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

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 had limitations, such as single-screen menu viewing and screen reflections. The available head-up display with dual-function control pads on the steering wheel was problematic for users with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a Bose audio system. The system's dated graphics and basic functions made it suitable for those seeking simplicity, though it lacked excitement for tech-savvy buyers.

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 Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less refined. The RX Hybrid's safety features operated with accuracy, but certain aspects, like the front cross-traffic alert, were hindered by polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 had a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.