2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 was unmistakably different from its predecessor, the 2023 Lexus GX 470. Instead of the softer, more rounded edges seen in the previous model, the 2024 GX flaunted a bold geometric design language. It retained the brand’s recognizable “spindle” grille, but in a less pronounced form. This newly redesigned midsize SUV featured standard triple-beam LED headlights flanking the grille, accentuating the squared-off upper edge of the front fascia. The new vertical front end provided an aggressive stance compared to the second-generation GX, with the redesigned hood sporting humps over each front wheel for better positional awareness during off-road driving.

The side profile of the GX was nearly as if it were carved out of solid metal, with minimal character lines maintaining a horizontal path. This styling choice kept the window beltline low, enhancing visibility when off-roading. Standard running boards bordered the bottom edge, with powered units available on the Luxury+ trim.

Lexus offered the GX in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. While Premium+ was anticipated to be the bestseller, GX Luxury+ and Overtrail+ showcased the SUV’s premier features. Luxury models boasted 22-inch wheels, illuminated doorsills, and ambient interior lighting. The Overtrail versions focused on off-roading, featuring 18-inch wheels to accommodate larger sidewalls on 33-inch all-terrain tires, and used eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The Overtrail also equipped serious off-roading hardware beneath the metal sheet.

Inside, the GX combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring standard heated and ventilated front seats and robust polyurethane-derived touchpoints more common than in other Lexus vehicles. The dashboard was flat and upright, with a large 14-inch touchscreen display at its center, surrounded by physical controls for off-road tools, and rotary knobs for climate and stereo volume. While it wasn’t as opulent as a Land Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Lexus GX looked and felt like a premium SUV built for long-term rugged use.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its original design, which debuted in 2017, with only minor updates. The familiar shape continued to appeal to consumers with its modern aesthetics. The new Carbon Turbo trim brought a fresh look with Zircon Sand paint, Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, and a black headliner. Gloss-black exterior detailing complemented the new color and trim.

Mazda introduced minor upgrades, including improved fuel efficiency for base engines, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for several trims. The CX-5 came in 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with trims ranging from Select to Signature. Prices varied from $29,300 to $40,600, plus destination charges.

Over the years, Mazda had refined the CX-5, enhancing the interior materials, technology, and overall driving experience. This culminated in an upscale crossover SUV that felt more premium than the price tag suggested.

For the 2024 Lexus GX, the notable change was the replacement of the V8 engine with a more advanced twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. This engine produced 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the previous model. The torque was available low in the rev range, making off-road driving easier.

The new GX was built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with models like the J300 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. This stiffer chassis improved stability both on-road and off-road. The GX’s 10-speed automatic transmission performed assertively, coupled with standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. Overtrail trims added features like a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which balanced stability on various terrains.

During testing, the GX exhibited strong acceleration and effective braking, although the favorable conditions didn’t test its limits thoroughly. Despite its weight, the GX managed to stay composed on twisty roads, surprising for a vehicle with such off-road capabilities.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 horsepower on premium gas and 320 pound-feet of torque. On regular gas, it provided 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The CX-5 benefitted from a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

While the CX-5’s acceleration was not immediate, it performed best when driven with a steady press on the accelerator, allowing torque to build. During real-world testing, it achieved 22.9 mpg, slightly lower than the official 24 mpg combined rating.

The CX-5’s driving experience was distinctively tall and narrow, offering excellent outward visibility. Recent suspension refinements provided a smoother ride and improved handling. Standard G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced cornering and stability. Whether on highways or twisty roads, the CX-5 felt quiet, connected, and responsive, with capabilities for light off-roading and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Lexus GX’s interior represented a significant evolution from the previous model with a more minimalist yet sophisticated design. It reduced the number of physical buttons but retained essential controls for functions like climate and off-road features. The first and second-row seats offered ample space for six-foot adults, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury trims, was best suited for children with only 31.7 inches of legroom.

Compared to the Land Rover Defender 110, the GX provided more substantial cargo space. With the third row folded, it offered 40.2 cubic feet, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet with all rows down. Overtrail models increased this capacity to 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 90.5 cubic feet, although they did not include a third row.

In comparison, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered standard heated front seats, with customization options in luxury models. The CX-5’s cabin excelled in quality and design, akin to a luxury-branded vehicle. Although smaller than some competitors, it comfortably accommodated four adults. Rear passengers had useful amenities like air conditioning vents and a center armrest with cupholders and storage.

Mazda’s interior storage was good, but the CX-5 had less cargo space than many rivals. It provided 30 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet when folded down.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, USB-C ports, and optional wireless charging. The Lexus Interface system supported Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Drive Connect and Remote Connect services offered with a three-year free trial. The GX could also be upgraded to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo in higher trims. However, the long-term subscription costs post the trial period might be a deterrent for some buyers.

Mazda’s approach to technology in the 2024 CX-5 was more traditional, shunning touchscreens for conventional switchgear to reduce driver distraction. However, it did allow touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was paired with a knob-based interface to navigate through the system’s menus, which was a design philosophy reminiscent of luxury brands like Audi and BMW. Despite this, the built-in voice interface wasn't as intuitive, making smartphone integration essential for ease of use. The Carbon Turbo trim featured a decent 10-speaker Bose audio system, adding to the premium feel.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature also added to its safety arsenal. Though the GX hadn’t been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA at the time, its modern architecture and comprehensive ADAS offered reassurance.

Mazda equipped every CX-5 with essential safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims provided additional safety upgrades, including adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings overall, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance, though the 2024 model hadn't yet achieved a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS.