2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sportier exterior elements. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models added sporty touches like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, comfort was compromised by less-than-ideal seating and limited lumbar support.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It exuded a luxury feel, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged engine. The turbocharged engine provided impressive power, especially with premium fuel, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The interior featured comfortable and supportive front seats, with power adjustments and heated options available in higher trims. However, the CX-5's infotainment system was a source of frustration, lacking a helpful voice recognition system and featuring awkward physical controls. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 offered a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added two electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty driving dynamics. The engine note was more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder, and acceleration was unimpressive. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal changes in driving dynamics. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth and serene ride. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid offered better efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a rewarding driving experience, with quick acceleration and a pleasant engine note. The CX-5's structural and suspension updates improved its driving dynamics, offering a firm and connected ride. Fuel consumption for the turbocharged engine was 9.8 L/100 km combined, though real-world testing showed slightly higher figures. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, providing a sporty and engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row version. It comfortably accommodated four adults, though the rear middle seat was best for short trips. Headroom measured 1,001 mm in the front and 993 mm in the rear, with ample legroom of 1,120 mm in the front and 964 mm in the back. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with only 210 litres available with all seats upright. The RX provided thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area had a high load-in height.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments and heated options in higher trims. The interior used top-notch materials, with Nappa leather upholstery in the Signature trim. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, and rear-seat room were lacking. The infotainment system was frustrating to use, lacking a conversational voice recognition system. The CX-5 offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the back seat folded down. While the cargo space was less than some rivals, it was more than several entry-luxury models.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in the 2020 refresh, but the positioning was still ergonomically unfriendly. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though both were frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics, but the infotainment system was a source of frustration. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls were awkward to use. The system required memorization and conscious thought to operate, making it distracting. Despite these issues, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system in upper trims. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It scored four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features under the i-Activsense banner. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, the CX-5 lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a potential safety concern.