2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The cabin was positioned towards the rear wheels, giving it a sleek and seductive appearance that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness not seen before, with its blistered and boxed fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year brought exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with a mix of analog and digital gauges, quality materials, and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured accent stitching, and higher trims offered a terracotta upholstery option. Despite the small and conspicuous centre air vent, the cabin was well-appointed, with vertical air vents flanking the instrument cluster. The CX-50's interior was both stylish and functional, making it a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2023 Lexus RX, entering its fifth generation, was built in Canada and featured a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, the RX offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some rivals. The reduction in rear overhang, softer design lines, and down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar contributed to a smaller appearance, both in photos and in person. The front showcased a better-integrated spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, flowing into an elevated hood that swept back into the windshield pillars. The upswept body sides and flared rear fenders added a touch of sportiness, while the light-blade taillight design and block lettering for the Lexus name at the rear provided a fresh yet familiar look.

Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring digital instrumentation and a choice of a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The available head-up display and natural voice-recognition technology made using the RX's features more intuitive. Quality levels were high, with NuLuxe artificial leather as standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350 was available in various trims, including F Sport 1, Luxury, F Sport 2, Executive, and F Sport 3, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650 and rising to $80,000 for the RX 500h. The RX's interior was both sophisticated and functional, offering a clear step up from the smaller NX.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, with most buyers likely opting for the more affordable and fuel-efficient GT model. This version featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Fuel consumption for this engine was rated at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking stronger acceleration and increased towing capacity, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim was available, featuring a turbocharged version of the standard engine. This engine produced between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine provided smooth acceleration across a broad power curve, with no noticeable turbo lag. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring natural vehicle behaviour in various conditions. The CX-50's ride quality was slightly firmer than the CX-5, and it demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

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 outgoing 3.5-litre V6, though it lacked the V6's smoothness and refinement. During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure and sure-footed, especially in Sport mode. Both RX 350 models featured 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, but the F Sport 3's adaptive suspension eliminated most unwanted bouncing and rolling. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with test results slightly higher at 10.5 L/100 km and 10.8 L/100 km. The RX 350's turbocharged engine provided satisfying acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.3 seconds.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for winter with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added comfort on warmer days. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long drives, though they could benefit from more side bolstering. The back seat offered ample room for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, facilitating easy entry and exit. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The available power rear liftgate revealed 889 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 1,595 litres when the rear seats were folded down.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 models offered exceptional comfort, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for added support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, exclusive luxury seat designs, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The Peppercorn interior colour, suede door panel accents, and black open pore wood trim added a modern and sophisticated touch. The RX 350 F Sport 3 offered a more serious cabin with Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both RX 350s provided exceptional comfort, with the back seat offering good leg support and legroom, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in position, expanding to 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. In Canada, a 10.25-inch display was standard. Historically, Mazda Connect did not offer touchscreen control, requiring the use of centre console buttons, steering wheel controls, or voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the screen remained distant from the driver. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience, and an Active Driving Display provided valuable information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years on certain models, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming of Apple Music or Amazon Music. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system provided excellent audio quality, though some music styles required tone adjustments. Digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and digital key smartphone technology were available. A colour head-up display (HUD) added unmarked, dual-function steering wheel controls, though visibility could be an issue with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and less-than-stellar results in night-time pedestrian collision avoidance and the updated side crash test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with most features standard except for a few upgrades on higher trims. The CX-50's driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and a curve speed-reduction function. Three semi-autonomous driving technologies debuted, including Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. LSS+ 3.0 proved impressive during evaluation, though some features, such as curve-speed reduction technology, were not without flaws.