2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 was available in Canada in four trim levels: GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, each offering a distinct powertrain. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $26,700 for the base GX trim to $38,600 for the top GT Turbo, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The test vehicle was a GT Turbo, adorned with extra-cost Soul Red paint and an optional stainless steel rear bumper guard. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its artful look. Inside, the GT Turbo's cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials, featuring off-white leather, a chocolate brown centre console, and black accents, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 showcased a significant redesign from its predecessor, the GX 460. The new model embraced geometric styling, with a less pronounced spindle grille and standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the SUV an aggressive look, while the flat hood rose above the front wheels for better off-road visibility. The GX's side profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for enhanced visibility. The GX was offered in a single trim level in Canada, with five available packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive. The Luxury models focused on opulence, while the Overtrail duo emphasized off-roading capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. The GX's design and features positioned it as a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base GX trim's Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT models featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel economy rated at 8.2 L/100 km combined. The GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, generating 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. All engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's ground clearance of 20 centimetres and Off-Road traction assist function made it suitable for light off-roading. However, the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the small 48-litre fuel tank limited its range. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, offering a rewarding driving experience with its G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GX's powertrain delivered impressive torque low in the rev range, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential ensured excellent traction. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with a composed on-road behaviour despite its size. The off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's capabilities were evident.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a comfortable interior with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof. Heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers were standard in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available from the GS trim. While the driver's seat was comfortable, the front passenger seat had limited manual adjustment. Rear passengers had standard air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight. The CX-30 provided reasonable storage space, with a centre armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The GT and GT Turbo trims featured paddle shifters and a power liftgate, revealing 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo space was not impressive for its class.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX's interior showcased a minimalist and sophisticated design, with fewer physical buttons than its predecessor. Rotary knobs for climate control flanked the touchscreen, and physical buttons for off-road features remained. The GX offered ample space for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. The Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity, with 1,291 litres of total space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws. It lacked a touchscreen, requiring drivers to use centre console controls, which could be distracting. The system also lacked conversational voice-recognition technology, making it less user-friendly. The absence of a tuning knob further complicated radio station navigation. Despite these shortcomings, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports, with Turbos adding SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, integrated stylishly into the dash. It offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Drive Connect subscription service providing an intelligent voice assistant. The GX included multiple USB-C ports and a 120-volt AC outlet. The Lexus Interface was user-friendly, but some features required subscription plans after an initial trial. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured standard rear side airbags, outboard rear seatbelt tensioners, and other updates. Safety features varied by trim, with the GX offering blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The GT and GT Turbo trims included advanced features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and a head-up display. The driving assistance systems worked well, though a forward-collision warning event seemed excessive during testing.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during adaptive cruise control use. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence in its safety offerings.