2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing both its interior and exterior. These updates were more than minor tweaks, as the styling changes allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with other Lexus models, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle featured a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to impress with its well-appointed cabin. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. Various interior colour and material combinations were available, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. The interior was luxurious yet practical, with leather-wrapped surfaces and a hardy design suitable for family life. However, the centre stack's dated look was a drawback as the industry moved towards more modern designs.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 exemplified Mazda's commitment to premium quality, offering captivating style and continual product improvement. For this model year, the CX-5 included more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and modifications to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine saw an increase in torque, and AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $27,950 to $41,900, with trim levels including GX, GS, GT, GT Turbo, and Signature. The Signature trim, tested at the highest price point, featured extra-cost Machine Gray metallic paint and a rear bumper guard.

The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling themes, remained appealing and distinctive. The interior, especially in Signature trim, exuded luxury with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner. However, the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast, diminishing the premium feel. Despite this, the CX-5's interior reflected style and good taste, with elegant metallic accents and clear gauges. Heated front seats were standard, and higher trims added features like ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The CX-5's upscale cabin and generous standard equipment aimed to offset its smaller size compared to competitors.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350 L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h L used the same setup, with a 165-horsepower electric motor and a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The RX hybrid models featured an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and additional electric motors for enhanced performance.

The RX was not known for athleticism, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it provided sufficient power for most driving situations. Fuel efficiency was a strong suit for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX 350 had an estimated 10.8 L/100 km combined. F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility. The RX provided a smooth driving experience with standard AWD, maintaining stability in various conditions. The cabin remained quiet, and braking was smooth and strong.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard on lower trims, with AWD optional, while higher trims had standard AWD. The GT Turbo and Signature trims offered a turbocharged engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular fuel. The turbocharged engine provided ample power for a compact SUV, though it was less efficient, rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined.

The CX-5 Signature was engaging to drive, thanks to G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, which stabilized the SUV during cornering. However, excessive body motions detracted from the driving experience, and an adaptive-damping suspension could have improved handling. Despite this, the CX-5's steering and brakes were responsive, making it enjoyable in typical driving situations. The SUV excelled in acceleration and maneuverability, though it lacked the inspiration to take longer routes home.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. The RX's cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also had less cargo space compared to competitors, with a hands-free liftgate available on certain models.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped than mainstream competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but it offered an upscale cabin with a generous list of standard equipment. The interior featured stylish design elements, with heated front seats standard. Higher trims added features like power-adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim included Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. The front seats were comfortable, though rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020, including moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity provided a solution. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other integrations. The centre console touchpad system was improved, and the RX featured six USB ports. A 12-speaker audio system was standard, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system, similar to those in luxury brands. The system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose premium sound system, and a surround-view camera. The system required acclimation, with controls on the centre console and steering wheel. Voice-recognition technology was limited, and a new version of Mazda Connect was planned for 2021.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera. The RX also offered daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive ADAS package, including smart city brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual testing parameters.