2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 signaled Mazda's aspiration to be recognized as a luxury automaker. Though traditionally associated with high-quality designs and materials, Mazda's efforts to climb the luxury ladder had reached new heights with the CX-90. It borrowed the sleek design language from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, and enlarged it to a commanding 200-inch body. The imposing grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels (anywhere between 19 to 21 inches) made it an eye-catching SUV. Its elegant chrome trim only added to its sophisticated and robust appearance despite its considerable size.

Inside, the Mazda CX-90 impressed even more. The top-tier models presented a luxurious interior adorned with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastics. The cabin exuded a premium feel, rivaling and, in some aspects, surpassing more high-end brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Despite the variety of trims, each retained the delicate design language and ergonomic layout. The vehicle offered 11 different trim levels with three powertrain options, ensuring a broad spectrum of choices from the more affordable to genuinely luxurious trims.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 redefined itself with geometric styling, departing from the softer, rounded exteriors of its predecessor. The iconic spindle grille remained but with a subtler presence, complemented by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The squared-off front fascia and raised hood gave it a robust, aggressive stance suitable for both urban environments and off-road adventures. Its sculpted sides and minimalistic character lines created a sleek, modern profile, while lower running boards added practicality for easier entry.

Inside, the Lexus GX demonstrated a minimalist yet sophisticated interior that prioritized function without forfeiting style. The reduction of physical buttons streamlined its appearance, though essential controls like climate and off-road features were easily accessible through rotary knobs and physical buttons. The spacious interior accommodated adults comfortably in the first two rows, with ample legroom. However, the third row was slightly tighter, mainly suited for children. The GX also offered impressive cargo capacity, with a total of 76.9 cubic feet and up to 90.5 cubic feet in Overtrail models.

Mazda introduced significant updates with the CX-90, offering two new powertrains including a plug-in hybrid option aimed at better fuel economy and performance. The turbocharged inline-six engine, split into two versions, marked a substantial advancement from the previous turbo-four engine of the CX-9. The base inline-six pumped out 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded Turbo S engines leaped to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system came standard and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering driving modes such as Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The CX-90 exhibited excellent handling, especially in corners, maintaining agility that belied its size.

Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and 17.8-kWh battery, the CX-90 PHEV delivered a commendable 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It promised a combined 56 MPGe and a total range of 490 miles. Despite its more eco-friendly build, it maintained the sharp handling Mazda was known for, although it was less vocal compared to the Turbo S.

The 2024 Lexus GX stepped away from the traditional V8 engine and embraced a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering a robust 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The adaptability and instant torque made it capable both on-road and off-road. Built on the stiff GA-F truck platform, shared with the Land Cruiser and Lexus LX, the GX offered a stable and solid ride. Its 10-speed automatic transmission operated seamlessly, and the full-time 4WD system, along with locking differentials and E-KDSS on Overtrail models, provided extensive off-road capabilities.

During testing, the GX impressed by offering smooth acceleration and effective braking. Despite its considerable weight, the vehicle maintained control through twists and turns, thanks to its sturdy body-on-frame build. The GX’s off-road features like crawl-control and descent-control offered helpful assistance, even if full testing wasn't possible due to weather conditions.

The Mazda CX-90 provided multiple seating configurations across its trim levels. The base trims and mid-level trims offered seven to eight seats, while the top trims like the Turbo S Premium and Premium Plus offered a more exclusive six-seat setup. The cargo capacity varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, offering up to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Although it still trailed behind some competitors in raw capacity, the array of storage options and thoughtful placement of compartments made it practical for everyday use.

On the other hand, the Lexus GX 550’s interior redesign brought a more minimalist, user-friendly environment. Conveniently placed rotary knobs and physical buttons for essential functions ensured immediate access. The first and second rows provided ample room for adults, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second. The third row, however, was less ideal for adults, better suited to children. The GX excelled in cargo capacity, boasting up to 90.5 cubic feet in the Overtrail models, demonstrating its utility for family trips and off-road adventures alike.

Mazda's approach to technology in the CX-90 focused heavily on minimizing distractions. The Mazda Connect infotainment system made exclusive use of a rotary control knob and buttons on the console, seeking to reduce the gaze time required for touchscreen operations. Nevertheless, this system still received mixed feelings due to its complexity and learning curve. Promisingly, the personalization software used facial recognition to adapt settings to individual drivers, enhancing convenience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included in higher trims, providing a more familiar and user-friendly interface.

Lexus packed the 2024 GX with a 14-inch touchscreen that incorporated the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included conveniences like voice assistant features via a Drive Connect subscription. Front passengers benefited from accessible USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, with additional ports and a 120-volt outlet for other passengers. Although Lexus offered many features through a three-year trial period, future subscription costs would need consideration for long-term owners.

Mazda’s CX-90 came well-equipped with safety technologies through its i-Activsense suite. It included advanced driver assistance systems as standard, like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The brand's legacy of high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA instilled confidence in the CX-90’s protective capabilities.

Safety saw significant enhancements in the Lexus GX for 2024. The model introduced the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, providing pre-collision, adaptive cruise control, and lane assistance features as standard. Though neither IIHS nor NHTSA had yet rated the new GX, its modern platform and comprehensive ADAS features suggested a higher safety performance than previous models.