2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with oversized air intakes and vents, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The CX-50's standard black grille and mirror caps, along with optional 20-inch alloy wheels, further enhanced its exterior appeal. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, catering to adventure enthusiasts.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with a mix of quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, and higher trims offered a terracotta upholstery option. The dashboard, with its vertical air vents and a lone off-centre vent, provided a unique yet slightly conspicuous design. Despite minor quirks, the CX-50's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to creating a visually appealing and functional space.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more understated exterior design. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch alloy wheels, looked identical to the standard RX 350, save for the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling details. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered particularly striking, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that made it appear smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered a fuel consumption of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring a consistent driving experience across different conditions.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new powertrain lineup. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and a Direct4 AWD system. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system provided a sporty driving experience, though its fuel economy was lower than expected at 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 7.4 L/100 km, offering a more efficient and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was well-equipped for comfort, with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort level. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could benefit from more side bolstering. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports. The CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 1,595 litres with the seats folded down. However, storage space within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional bins and shelves.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support, though rear headroom was tight due to the lower roofline. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, an improvement over the previous model but still less than some competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, the 2023 model allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface was often frustrating, with distracting console buttons and knobs. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display, projecting data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system worked reasonably well, though it had some limitations, such as the inability to view multiple screen menus simultaneously. The RX also featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, though these were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. Mazda provided a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained a safe following distance and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. While the safety systems 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.