2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some competitors. The RX appeared smaller due to its reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous model and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. It offered high-quality materials, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede. The RX was available in several trims, including hybrid and performance variants, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX 350, covered in this review, offered a range of trims and features, ensuring a luxurious experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover segment. It was stylish and built with high-quality materials, resembling a small luxury SUV. The CX-5 offered a turbocharged engine with impressive power and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda planned to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, similar to Infiniti's rebranding strategy. The CX-5 exuded quality and sophistication across all versions, with a choice between a standard 187-hp engine and a 256-hp turbocharged variant. The Canadian lineup ranged from $31,250 to $44,250, with the 2.5 Turbo Signature model offering premium features and a high price tag.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km. During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels and all-season tires, with the F Sport 3 offering upgraded brakes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It had a fuel economy rating of 9.0 L/100 km. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with premium fuel, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular fuel. It returned 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The turbo engine's power increase was complemented by structural and suspension improvements, enhancing the CX-5's driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration, though fuel consumption increased during spirited driving. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and communicative ride.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The Executive trim featured premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. The RX's back seat was roomy, with good leg support, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were improved for comfort and support, with power adjustment available on higher trims. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a range of comfort features. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, and rear-seat room were lacking. The infotainment system lacked a voice recognition system, and the control knob was awkward to use. The CX-5's cargo space measured 871 litres behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the seat folded, less than some rivals but more than some luxury models.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered natural voice recognition, though it required a subscription after three years. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming through embedded apps. The RX also offered a Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and a head-up display, though the latter was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system had a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a voice recognition system, and the control knob required memorization and focus. The system's user experience was often confusing, and the process of executing commands was distracting. Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a range of advanced driving assistance systems. It included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered semi-autonomous driving technologies, though some features were not intuitive to use. The adaptive cruise control and curve-speed reduction technology had limitations, and the driver monitoring system could be overly sensitive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured i-Activsense technology, with most features standard except for a few exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature. These included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display showing alerts. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for automatic collision notification. However, the CX-5 lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a common issue. The CX-5 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.