2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated a bold black aesthetic. With its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, along with matte black body cladding, the CX-30 Turbo presented a unique and aggressive look. Mazda's design philosophy aimed to give the vehicle a light and agile appearance, as if it were floating over the wheels, which was a departure from the Mazda3 hatchback it was based on. The elevated stance of the CX-30 was immediately noticeable, offering a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like presence.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, featuring quality materials and a sophisticated design. The interior boasted stitched chocolate brown surfaces, chrome accents, and a frameless rearview mirror, contributing to an upscale vibe. Standard leather upholstery in black or white added to the premium feel, especially in the GT trim where the turbocharged engine was available. The pricing for the 2021 CX-30 ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its modern updates, retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation predecessor from 2002. The signature spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights were the main distinguishing features. Inside, the GX offered a cabin crafted with the smooth refinement Lexus was known for, providing a quiet and comfortable environment. The GX's interior quality was commendable, with a focus on physical controls and a traditional layout, though some switchgear felt outdated.

The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $80,550. Despite its dated design, the GX's interior was more modern than its exterior suggested, offering a blend of comfort and functionality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel's octane rating. With torque figures of 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, the CX-30 provided effortless acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD system, along with G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, enhanced the driving experience. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km.

Mazda's engineering focus was on delivering a satisfying driving experience rather than the fastest acceleration times. The CX-30 Turbo's AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels, providing remarkable traction and response. However, the added height and weight of the CX-30 compared to the Mazda3 made it less agile on the road. The CX-30's Off-Road mode and extra ground clearance compensated for this when driving in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system, offered a satisfying engine note and a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. The GX's fuel consumption was estimated at 14.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with a real-world result of 14.0 L/100 km.

The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride quality and stability, making it more agreeable to drive despite its age. The GX excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Panoramic View monitoring cameras available in the Premium Package. However, the slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. The cabin's design emphasized spaciousness and quality, though the rear seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, with 572 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. However, the rear seat access was challenging, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo space of 328 litres behind the third row and 1,833 litres with all seats folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system in the GT trim. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Lexus GX boasted a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology improved usability, though the stereo controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. The GT trim added adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but offered standard Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other safety features. However, it missed some modern safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.