2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, with a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels, embodying the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's designs over the past decade. However, it also introduced a rugged aesthetic with blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body and wheel arch cladding, and fake front and rear skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being offensive to the eye.

When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and available 20-inch wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. Later in the model year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition was set to join the lineup with exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform. Inside, the top-of-the-line CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus featured black leather with caramel-colored accent stitching, quality materials, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. Despite a few design quirks, the interior maintained Mazda's driver-focused design ethos.

The 2023 Lexus RX was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, though it maintained the same overall length. It offered more cargo space than the 2022 model but still less than some rivals. The reduction in rear overhang, softer design lines, and down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar gave the RX a smaller appearance and a floating roof effect. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, flowing into an elevated hood that swept back into the windshield pillars.

The RX's upswept body sides and flared rear fenders added a sporty touch, while the light-blade taillight design and block lettering for the Lexus name at the back provided a fresh look. The RX's exterior styling was familiar yet updated, ensuring it stood out without being overly aggressive. Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The quality levels were high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather, genuine leather, and simulated suede, along with textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Mazda estimated this version would achieve 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking stronger acceleration and increased towing capacity, the 2.5 Turbo variant was available. This model had a turbocharged version of the standard engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel used, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. Mazda predicted the turbo model would return 25 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed an average of 23.4 mpg.

The CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration across a broad power curve, with minimal turbo lag. It featured Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, working with G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure consistent vehicle behavior. The CX-50 felt firm on the road, with a hint of torque steer during tight turns. It offered up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable of handling off-road situations. The CX-50 Turbo also demonstrated reliable towing capability, handling a 3,500-pound load with ease on flat highways.

During a Lexus ride-and-drive event, the 2023 RX 350 was tested in two versions: AWD Luxury trim with 21-inch wheels and F Sport Handling trim with an adaptive damping suspension. Both models featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing 3.5-liter V6, though it lacked the V6's smoothness.

The RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement, but generally provided a smooth ride. The F Sport Handling model felt more secure, especially in Sport mode, thanks to its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, but the F Sport Handling's suspension minimized unwanted motion. The turbocharged engine offered satisfying acceleration, with the RX 350 AWD reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Lexus estimated the RX 350 FWD would average 25 mpg in combined driving, while the AWD version would return 24 mpg. Real-world testing showed 22.5 mpg and 21.8 mpg, respectively.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo came equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. On a warm day, the ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were particularly useful. The driver and front passenger seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could benefit from more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports in most trims. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, making entry and exit easier.

Storage space in the CX-50 was adequate, though there were missed opportunities for additional bins. The available smartphone charger had a convenient slot under the center armrest. The power rear liftgate revealed 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the CX-5. The load floor was long but narrow between the wheel wells, with side bins and hooks for securing items. Maximum cargo space was 56.3 cubic feet, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50's lower roofline.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 models offered comfortable seating, though the F Sport Handling's sport seat bolsters might be too snug for some. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The Peppercorn interior color, suede door panel accents, and black open-pore wood trim added a sophisticated touch. The RX 350 F Sport Handling had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats, Dark Graphite trim, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, with the option for Rioja Red NuLuxe.

Both RX 350 models provided exceptional comfort, with roomy and supportive back seats. The high-mounted rear seats offered good leg support and legroom, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Lexus provided useful storage areas, and the cargo space was improved over the previous generation. The trunk measured 29.6 cubic feet with the second row in position, and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, which was more than before but still not generous for the segment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base 2.5 S had an 8.8-inch display, while other trims included a larger 10.25-inch display. Historically, Mazda Connect did not offer touchscreen control, relying on center console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the screen was still distant from the driver.

The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display (HUD), projecting data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition. The system allowed for user profiles, streaming Apple Music or Amazon Music, and embedded apps.

Lexus Interface was an improvement over the previous system, though it lacked the ability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system required tone adjustments for optimal performance. The RX also offered digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and digital key smartphone technology. A color HUD was available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to rate high for safety, though the IIHS had not yet performed crash tests. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed-reduction function. Three semi-autonomous driving technologies debuted: Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. LSS+ 3.0 performed well, though the adaptive cruise controls and front cross-traffic warnings were difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The curve-speed reduction technology was not predictive, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions.