2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX came in various models, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme, maintained a luxurious feel, befitting the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, despite its excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding, was an appealing crossover with a design that included short overhangs, a long hood, sculpted flanks, and a rakish roofline. The interior exuded a sense of luxury, with style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen integrated seamlessly into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed. In Canada, the CX-30 offered four versions, with two engine options: a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder for the GX, GS, and GT trims, and a turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 250 hp for the CX-30 Suna models. Prices ranged from $28,150 to $43,390. The test vehicle, in the U.S. equivalent of Suna trim, featured a unique Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior, a colour scheme that divided opinions but suited the SUV's design.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. However, during testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, accurate steering, and a quiet interior on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, with its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). The powertrain response was tuned for a gradual build, creating a smooth power delivery that felt deceptive in terms of speed. The CX-30 was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, providing a sporty driving experience. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous route, despite an official rating of 9.3 L/100 km. The small 48-litre fuel tank limited travel distance. The CX-30 was fun to drive, with nimble handling and excellent visibility, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. It performed well on highways and back roads, though it felt soft in mountainous terrain. With standard AWD and off-road capabilities, it could handle more challenging trails.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more comfortable and spacious interior, with premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Standard features in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional heated and ventilated captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models, and provided decent leg support and visibility. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a well-designed interior with quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a highlight, and the cabin included gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching. The Terracotta leather seats with simulated Black suede inserts added a touch of colour. While the front seats were comfortable, the back seat was cramped, typical for a small SUV. The power-adjustable driver's seat made finding a comfortable position easy, and both front seats were heated. Cargo space was 572 litres behind the back seat, with the option to drop the load floor for more space or use hidden underfloor storage. Folding the back seat provided 1,280 litres of volume, comparable to other small SUVs.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The head-up display, however, had issues with polarized sunglasses and unmarked steering wheel controls, causing driver distraction. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 GT and Suna versions featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda's system relied on steering wheel, centre console, and voice controls, but lacked natural voice recognition, making it less intuitive. All CX-30s in Canada included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, with GT and Suna trims offering USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control were available from the GS trim. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The CX-30 received high safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.