2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 presented a bold aesthetic with its introduction of the 2.5 Turbo model. It featured exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, a shiny black grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the CX-30 a distinctive look, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The elevated stance of the CX-30, both perceptually and in reality, contributed to its unique presence. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, offering quality materials and an upscale vibe with stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents. The GT trim, where the turbocharged engine became available, came standard with black or white leather, enhancing the premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its long-standing design, with the same basic body shell from a decade ago. It featured the Lexus spindle grille, updated in 2020, and standard silver 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch options available. The GX's styling was coherent despite its origins, offering a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not match modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Despite this, the GX provided standard semi-aniline leather, maintaining a level of luxury expected from Lexus.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel's octane rating. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive, with front-wheel drive available on lower grades. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's driving experience was characterized by its sophisticated handling, though it didn't match the Mazda3's agility due to its added height and weight. The Off-Road mode and 5 centimetres of extra ground clearance made it suitable for dirt or snow driving.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, 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. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with its 2,349 kilograms weight affecting acceleration and braking. It required careful planning for merging and overtaking, and its body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and Multi-Terrain Select with various drive modes. It offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way manual adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on higher trims, though ventilated seats were not available. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, despite the CX-30 being a small SUV. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, but rear-seat air conditioning vents provided some comfort. The CX-30 offered 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded.

In contrast, 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, though forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX featured three rows of seating, with power-folding third-row seats, but accessing the third row was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row in use.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While not a touchscreen, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12-speaker Bose audio system on the GT trim. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Lexus GX, however, was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It included a standard 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but the infotainment system's graphics were outdated. The GX relied on analog controls, providing a straightforward interface but lacking the modern tech expected in luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 did not have crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS. It included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.