2024 Lexus TX 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 typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged edge with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with a standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous persona.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The interior, dressed in black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, offered a sophisticated look. Despite a few design quirks, such as the off-centre air vent, the cabin was well-appointed. The availability of terracotta upholstery on higher trims added a touch of elegance. Overall, the CX-50 presented itself as a stylish and capable compact crossover.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, offering a toned-down design that appealed to those previously put off by the brand's bold aesthetics. Our test model featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges.

The TX 350, likely the volume seller, offered a base level of specification with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages. The interior, while luxurious, felt dark due to the Peppercorn colour scheme and black-grained trim. Despite this, the TX 350's cabin was comfortable, with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating than previous Lexus models, providing a habitable space for adults. Overall, the TX delivered a refined and spacious interior, aligning with its luxury SUV status.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, with most buyers likely opting for the more affordable GT model featuring a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This engine delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission, achieving fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim provided a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel used. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. The turbocharged engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Despite a slightly firmer ride quality, the CX-50 excelled in delivering a car-like driving experience, with impressive handling and off-road capability.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately eight seconds, though the SUV felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's official fuel economy rating was 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops. Overall, the TX 350 provided adequate performance for a luxury SUV, with a focus on comfort and refinement.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for Canadian winters, featuring 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 in warmer weather. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The CX-50's cargo space measured 889 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,595 litres with the seats folded. While storage space was adequate, Mazda missed opportunities for additional storage solutions.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though captain's chairs were available with the Executive package. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating than previous models, providing a habitable space for adults. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. While storage solutions were plentiful, some lacked lining, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The system included a 10.25-inch display, though it lacked touchscreen control for the native interface. Mazda offered touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the display's distant placement was a drawback. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected essential information within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also featured a head-up display, though its unmarked steering wheel controls and incompatibility with polarized sunglasses were drawbacks. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system delivered impressive sound quality, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The CX-50 came with a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring capability. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, requiring manual intervention.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, though it was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, though Lexus did not offer a higher-speed hands-free system for the TX.