2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with a more geometric and aggressive design. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front end. The hood was designed with raised sides to aid off-road driving visibility. The side profile of the GX was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility. The GX was available in a single trim with five packages, each catering to different needs, from luxury to off-roading. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its design from the 2017 second-generation model, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The new Suna trim in the U.S. featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats. Mazda improved fuel economy for the base engine and added wireless charging and connectivity options. The CX-5 offered a range of trims in Canada, with the Suna trim featuring the Turbo engine. The interior was upgraded over the years, providing an upscale feel at a mainstream price, with comfortable seating and quality materials.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The new engine provided more power and torque at lower revs, enhancing off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and advanced suspension technology for better off-road performance. Despite its size, the GX demonstrated controlled on-road behaviour and effective braking.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, with slightly reduced figures on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach. The CX-5's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5 felt tall and narrow from the driver's seat, offering excellent visibility. Mazda's suspension tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology improved ride quality and handling. The CX-5 was quiet on highways and lively in city driving, with decent off-road capability and a towing capacity of 900 kg.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot 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 was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with power adjustment for the driver. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. The CX-5 was snug for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful features like rear air vents and a centre armrest. The cabin design and quality rivalled luxury brands, with good storage space. The cargo area offered 871 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with it folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a voice assistant for navigation and controls. Subscription services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect provided additional features. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

Mazda's approach to infotainment in the 2024 CX-5 focused on traditional controls, with a 10.25-inch display and a rotary knob for navigation. The system allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available on several trims. Mazda Connected Services offered remote features and emergency assistance. Higher trims featured a 10-speaker Bose sound system, enhancing the premium feel of the interior. While the native voice interface was less intuitive, pairing a smartphone provided a better experience.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 offering advanced driver assistance systems. Features included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The GX's modern architecture and ADAS enhancements improved its safety outlook, though it had not yet been crash-tested by major organizations.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating.