2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more suited for off-road adventures, with a short 2,789 mm wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, featuring heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, though it was let down by an abundance of plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its modern appeal with a design that had aged gracefully since its 2017 debut. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda improved the fuel economy of the base engine and added wireless charging and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-5's interior was upscale, with premium materials and a comfortable, supportive seating arrangement. Despite being a compact crossover, it offered a sophisticated driving experience, enhanced by recent upgrades to its suspension and drivetrain.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 14.5 combined. The GX's 2,948-kilogram towing capacity was respectable, but it lagged behind other SUVs. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, aided by a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a 4WD system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, on the other hand, offered a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 256 hp on premium gas and 320 lb-ft of torque. Even on regular gas, it delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The CX-5's powertrain was more rewarding with a steady driving style, though its fuel economy was not its strong suit, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by a re-tuned suspension, standard AWD, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, providing a smooth and responsive ride. It also offered a decent 20 centimetres of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The GX's interior featured hard buttons, which some might prefer over touchscreens, though it required time to get accustomed to the controls. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

In comparison, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable interior with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The seats were redesigned for comfort and support, with leather available on most trims. The rear seat offered good support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders. The CX-5's cabin design and quality rivalled luxury brands, though it was smaller in terms of interior room. It offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over its predecessor, with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor. It also featured the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved on-road and off-road performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach, avoiding touchscreens in favour of traditional controls. It offered a setting for touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available on several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and buttons on the centre console. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system enhanced the audio experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX, though not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ and other safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included a robust set of advanced driving assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA, though it didn't earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2024.