2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its imposing spindle grille and substantial ground clearance of 206 millimetres. Standing tall at 1,885 millimetres, it had a formidable presence on the road. The front end, with its massive headlights, seemed ready to conquer any path. Despite its luxury badge, the GX appeared engineered for rugged terrains, with its short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl and Nori Green Pearl. Inside, the GX offered a mix of luxury and practicality, though the abundance of plastic materials was a letdown for a vehicle in its class. However, features like heated and cooled front seats and premium leather upholstery added a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a more artful design, albeit with a nose-heavy appearance due to its long hood and stubby rear end. The excessive grey body cladding detracted from its otherwise appealing aesthetics. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, especially in the GT Turbo trim, which featured a tasteful combination of off-white leather and chocolate brown accents. The interior exuded an entry-level luxury feel, justifying its premium pricing. While the exterior's ruggedness was more for show, the interior comfort and design were genuine, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and refined crossover.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was notable, though it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, with the GT Turbo trim standing out with its turbocharged 2.5-litre engine. On premium fuel, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular fuel yielded 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD provided a balanced driving experience. With a ground clearance of 20 centimetres and Off-Road traction assist, it was capable on various terrains. The CX-30 excelled in handling, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and responsive steering. However, its small fuel tank and less intuitive brake pedal were drawbacks. Despite these, the CX-30 delivered a refined and enjoyable driving experience, especially on twisty roads.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep centre console bin. The decision to retain hard buttons for controls was a welcome choice, providing ease of use. The adjustable centre console lid and comfortable second-row seating added to its appeal. However, the third row was cramped, suitable only for occasional use. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and the cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable cabin, especially for the driver, with standard dual-zone climate control and an eight-way power-adjustable seat. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability. Rear legroom was tight, though the seatbacks were padded for comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with a centre armrest bin and door panel bins. The power liftgate revealed 572 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. While not the most spacious, the CX-30 offered practical storage solutions for its class.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over its predecessor. It included standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System enhanced its on-road and off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws, lacking a touchscreen and conversational voice recognition. The centre console controls required attention, detracting from the driving experience. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display offered pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with higher trims adding navigation and a Bose sound system. While the system had its shortcomings, the CX-30's interior refinement and quality controls were commendable.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While lacking some advanced features, it offered a solid suite of safety technologies.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact protection and standard rear side airbags. Safety features varied by trim, with higher trims offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The CX-30's safety systems worked effectively, though some responses felt excessive. Overall, it provided a comprehensive safety package.