2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, offered a more minimalistic interior with fewer switches and a contemporary approach to textures and detailing. The RX 350h Luxury model featured beautiful Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had an all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX's exterior design was not considered gorgeous, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a visual imbalance due to a wheelbase stretch. However, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-tuned design, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling details.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the GX trim, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model, equipped with the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h, was expected to be more efficient, averaging 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. It produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering, providing a dynamic driving experience. However, accessing Sport mode required navigating the infotainment system, and the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km.

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

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the back seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded, an improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. However, the screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick in the centre console. This setup, inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems, was criticized for its poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the rotary dial was frustrating, and the system remained cumbersome even after setting up presets.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect, a cloud-based navigation system with an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. However, the system had limitations, such as displaying only one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings, receiving five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring a motorcycle detection system, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was available, automatically slowing the RX to maintain a safe following distance. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these features were not tested. The new front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some limitations, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions.