2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The redesigned 2024 Lexus GX 550 presented a significant stylistic shift from the 2023 Lexus GX 470. With its geometric lines and squared-off front fascia, the new GX moved away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor. The iconic spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights at the upper edge of the front end. The vertical stance of the GX's front matched the aggressive, flat hood design, emphasizing positional awareness for off-road driving with humped sections over the front wheels.

The side profile of the GX had minimal character lines, appearing as though carved from solid metal, with a low window beltline aiding visibility. The window frame's lower edge kicked up at the C-pillar, maintaining a steady horizontal line to the rear. Standard running boards added to the functional aesthetics, with powered ones available on the Luxury+ trim.

Lexus offered the GX in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. Each trim level had distinct features, with Luxury models highlighting opulence with 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, and Overtrail trims focusing on off-roading with 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. Interiors blended luxury with utilitarian elements, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, polyurethane touchpoints, and a central 14-inch touchscreen surrounded by physical controls for off-road functionalities.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50, although a more rugged version of the CX-5, had a distinct identity with its lower, wider, and longer build. The 2024 CX-50 showcased broad-shouldered proportions with square wheel arches and faux air vents. Available in eight trims, it featured 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher ones.

The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition of the CX-50 catered to active lifestyles, with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, black hood graphics, and enhanced rocker-panel trims. However, despite its rugged appearance, the suspension and drive modes remained the same across all trims. The CX-50 stood out with its earthy color palette, high-quality interior materials, and fit and finish that impressed for a non-luxury brand. While it aspired to be upscale, it still retained some mainstream features like manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw a notable change under the hood. Moving from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, the GX produced 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase. The new V6 delivered impressive torque low in the rev range, making it adept at off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, also used in the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX, the GX benefited from a stiffer chassis, enhancing stability.

Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the GX featured full-time 4WD, a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, and additional off-road capabilities in the Overtrail trims, such as a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). During test drives, the GX demonstrated commendable acceleration and braking effectiveness, maintaining a composed behavior on-road and showcasing its off-road prowess despite limited testing conditions.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a choice between a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged variant. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel). A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard across all models, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road, along with a Towing mode on turbo models that increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

The CX-50's driving dynamics differed from the CX-5, focusing more on a balanced daily driving experience rather than sporty handling. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the optional roof platform contributed to wind noise. Overall, the CX-50 excelled as a daily driver but didn’t quite match the sporty appeal of its sibling.

The interior of the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a minimalist and sophisticated design. With fewer physical buttons, crucial controls remained, including rotary knobs for climate control and off-roading features. Passenger space was generous in the first two rows, with 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row. The optional third row offered 31.7 inches of legroom but was only suitable for children.

Cargo space was one of the GX's strong suits, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded. Total cargo space reached 76.9 cubic feet, and Overtrail models offered even more, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 90.5 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided ample passenger space similar to the CX-5, though with slight variations in headroom and legroom. With 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, the CX-50 offered more cargo space with the second row up compared to the CX-5, though trailing behind most competitors.

Access to the cargo area was eased by an available power liftgate. The interior layout was practical, with a substantial shifter and Mazda’s rotary infotainment controller on the center console, maintaining storage functionality around the area.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen at the center of its dashboard, complemented by multiple USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system supported Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drive Connect, offering an intelligent voice assistant, and Remote Connect came with three-year trial subscriptions before requiring monthly fees. Higher trims included a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs could be a long-term concern for buyers intending to keep the vehicle for several years.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch screen that wasn’t a touchscreen. Instead, a rotary controller and buttons were used for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims added wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Mazda's non-touchscreen interface might seem unconventional but provided tactile feedback, reducing the need for taking eyes off the road. However, the system felt dated with basic graphics, suitable for buyers preferring simplicity over advanced tech features.

The 2024 Lexus GX made significant strides in safety compared to its predecessor. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 became standard, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and proactive driving assist. While crash-test results from IIHS and NHTSA were pending, the updated safety features and modern GA-F architecture instilled confidence in the new GX's safety credentials.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was awarded the 2023 Top Safety Pick by IIHS, scoring well in crash tests and front-crash prevention in daytime pedestrian scenarios. However, it received lower ratings for nighttime pedestrian tests and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 scored well in frontal and rollover crash tests.

Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more, with additional options like rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.