2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's styling was coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive and appealing to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior felt outdated.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, was a downsized version of the CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, resembling a raised-up hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse, distorting the view for taller drivers. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a well-designed interior that blended conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system had a steep learning curve, prioritizing form over function.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GX's 2,349-kilogram weight affected its performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen centre differential, 4WD system, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. It had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and respectable ground clearance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower, while the GS and GT trims had a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower. The test model featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 227 horsepower on 87 octane fuel and 250 horsepower on 93 octane. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and a manual tap-shift mode. It had well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, but the suspension resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and in-door bottle holders. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat. The rear seats offered solid headroom but lacked the space of larger models like the CX-5.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, analog controls were available for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design, with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. Inspired by luxury systems like BMW's iDrive, the setup lacked touch functionality, making it difficult to use with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was challenging to navigate, even after setup.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed some features available in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, with rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher grades included traffic-sign recognition and parking sensors. The CX-30 earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.