2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with a more angular and aggressive design. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more vertical and assertive front end. The flat hood, with its raised sides above the front wheels, enhanced driver visibility, especially in off-road conditions. The side profile of the GX was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, contributing to better visibility. The rear design maintained a horizontal path, with standard running boards completing the look. The GX was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages that catered to luxury and off-road enthusiasts alike. The interior combined luxury with practicality, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, a 14-inch touchscreen, and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broader and longer dimensions. The CX-50's square wheel arches and faux air vents added to its robust appearance. Available in three trim levels in Canada, the CX-50 offered a Meridian Edition that enhanced its adventurous image with all-terrain tires and distinctive styling elements. The interior was well-crafted, with a focus on material quality and fit and finish. The infotainment screen was positioned on a shelf, reminiscent of BMW designs, and the use of piano black plastic was minimal. However, the CX-50's aspirations to move upscale were still a work in progress, with some features like manually adjustable passenger seats reminding buyers of Mazda's traditional market position.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided more power than its predecessor, with torque available low in the rev range for off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time four-wheel drive system included a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. Despite its size and weight, the GX demonstrated controlled handling on-road and was well-suited for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant offered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard across all models. The CX-50 provided Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, with a Towing mode on turbo models, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, focusing more on comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered overall.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a significant departure from its predecessor, with a more minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical controls, including rotary knobs for climate control and buttons for off-road features. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 millimetres in the second row. The third row, available in select packages, was tight for adults. 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 cargo capacity.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed some competitors in cargo space, it featured an available power liftgate for easier access. The interior layout was sensible, with a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console. However, the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high for easy access.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Overtrail packages added more USB-C ports for the rear seats, and a 120-volt AC outlet was standard in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a voice assistant available through a subscription. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages 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.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback for easier use. While the infotainment system felt dated, it offered basic functions without overwhelming tech-savvy buyers. The CX-50's focus on simplicity made it a good choice for those who preferred less tech complexity.

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. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence in its safety offerings.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by IIHS, receiving top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it scored lower in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test and for standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 received a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more, with additional features available as options.