2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a subtle evolution in its design, with new LED headlights and taillights that offered more distinctive illumination. The exterior updates included redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate, alongside new alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious appeal, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats promised improved comfort, and the model offered a range of trims from the economical GX to the performance-oriented Sport Design and Signature, with prices ranging from $30,500 to $43,650, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid underwent a more significant redesign, with the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models showcasing subtle yet impactful changes. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch alloy wheels, maintained a discreet hybrid identity. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX's design, while not traditionally beautiful, featured a stretched wheelbase and a signature rear roof pillar design that visually shortened the SUV's rear end. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with contemporary textures, ambient lighting, and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a choice between two engines. The base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine provided 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with a slightly higher fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity, reworked suspension tuning, and the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system, offering Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The result was a quieter, smoother ride with improved handling and reduced body roll.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new powertrain lineup. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, with an expected fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine with 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, achieving 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. However, its fuel consumption was higher at 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its sporty driving experience. Despite its performance, the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing. The RX 350h, on the other hand, delivered better fuel efficiency at 7.4 L/100 km, offering a more secure and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the back seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. Cargo space was improved, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seats folded down, matching the standard RX 350 and significantly better than the previous RX 450h.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked a touchscreen interface and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which required acclimation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The optional Bose premium sound system provided decent audio quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with connected services plans, requiring activation of trial subscriptions and user profile creation. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. While the system generally worked well, it had limitations, such as single-screen menu viewing and screen reflections. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel posed challenges for users wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive i-Activsense package with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, maintaining safe distances and recharging the battery through regenerative braking. While the system generally operated well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these were not tested.