2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a bold and distinctive appearance. Mazda claimed this design lent the CX-30 a light and agile look, as if it were floating over the wheels. This effect was consistent, making the CX-30 stand out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, with a higher ground clearance that was both perceptual and real.

Inside, the CX-30 offered a cabin reminiscent of the Mazda3, with quality materials and a sophisticated vibe. The interior featured stitched chocolate brown surfaces, chrome accents, and a standard frameless rearview mirror. Black or white leather was standard with the GT trim, where the turbocharged engine became available. The pricing for the 2021 CX-30 ranged from an MSRP of $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827 including fees.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for that year, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. It was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and refined styling details. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, with real leather and open-pore wood trim available in the Executive Package. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats.

The NX's interior was minimalist, with a decluttered dashboard compared to the previous model. The 14-inch touchscreen integrated many functions, which could be challenging to navigate quickly. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the electronic shifter was user-friendly. The NX's quality levels were generally high, though some elements, like the turn signal, felt less refined. Prices for the NX ranged from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding the $2,145 destination charge.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured 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's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. Its i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving dynamics, distributing power to the rear wheels as needed.

Mazda's approach focused on delivering a satisfying driving experience rather than raw speed. The CX-30 Turbo offered a sophisticated and grown-up driving feel, though its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The CX-30's 5 cm of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode made it suitable for light off-road adventures. Despite its torsion-beam rear suspension, the CX-30 remained a rewarding drive, nearly matching luxury alternatives.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered all four wheels, with AWD standard in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport offered Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the regular NX 350 provided a softer ride.

Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. The NX's handling impressed, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. The F Sport better isolated impacts from road imperfections, but road and wind noise were more noticeable than expected. The NX's ground clearance and approach angles limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way manual adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin's design created a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. The CX-30 provided 572 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the seats folded. However, the location of the wireless smartphone charger limited storage options.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of openness. Cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the 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 and Android Auto. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability, though the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

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 included a full suite of safety features, with the GT trim adding adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with advanced safety technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. It also included Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitoring, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional features were available in packages, enhancing safety and convenience.