2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The Lexus TX presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics.

The TX was available 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 and dealer fees. The TX 550h+ was not yet available, and it was anticipated to start over $90,000 Canadian. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added features like upgraded ambient lighting and premium leather upholstery, though the interior, despite its luxurious feel, was criticized for being too dark.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged counterpart to the Mazda CX-5, with significant design changes that included being lower, wider, and longer than its sibling. The CX-50's broad-shouldered proportions were accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents, presenting a fresher design than the older CX-5. Available in three trims—GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition—the CX-50 catered to an active lifestyle, especially in the Meridian Edition, which featured all-terrain tires and additional rugged styling elements. However, unlike some competitors, the CX-50 did not enhance off-road capabilities with suspension changes or additional drive modes.

The CX-50's earthy colour palette and Terracotta leather upholstery contributed to its rugged image, while the interior design was pleasing with impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. The infotainment screen was positioned like in a BMW, and the minimal use of piano black plastic trim suggested better aging compared to rivals. Despite Mazda's aspirations to move upscale, the CX-50 still showed signs of its mainstream roots, with standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat in base models, though a power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in Canada.

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 skepticism 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 the torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, only slightly better than the older RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the U.S. specification test unit featuring front-wheel drive.

The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, commendable body motion control, and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle. However, it was easy to modulate, allowing for smooth stops.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine across all models, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, and a Towing mode on turbo models. The turbo models also increased towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms.

While sharing powertrains with the CX-5, the CX-50 provided a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires limited grip and increased noise, with additional wind noise from the roof platform at highway speeds. Despite these issues, the CX-50 was well-mannered, though the Meridian Edition's features might be best skipped unless needed for specific conditions.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more compelling option. The TX 350 test unit featured premium leather and artificial suede upholstery, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional heated and ventilated captain's chairs available. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable and easy to adjust.

The second-row seat, though not as welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, met segment expectations with triple-zone climate control, USB ports for all rows, and manual side window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better comfort than previous Lexus models. Sliding the second-row seat forward provided adequate space for tall passengers in the third row, though it compromised second-row comfort. 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.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both rows. It compared closely to rivals like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V in legroom, with more rear-seat legroom than the Toyota RAV4. The CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5 but more than some competitors.

Cargo access was facilitated by an available power liftgate, though the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The optional roof platform was high, posing a challenge for shorter users. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, despite the substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console. Mazda maintained console space without shrinking or removing the shifter, proving it wasn't necessary for functionality.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional tech in the Executive packages, including a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. While the larger display and camera were beneficial, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, particularly with a Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX also offered 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription for remote engine starting and digital key access. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.

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 dual USB ports and optional wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system on higher trims. The non-touchscreen interface required adjustment but offered physical feedback, making it easier to use without distraction.

While the infotainment system felt dated with basic graphics, it suited buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech. The system's functionality was sufficient, especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, minimizing the importance of the native system's appearance.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with options for parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, working well during brief activation. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with five-star frontal crash and four-star rollover ratings.

Mazda included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included emergency lane-keeping, rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system, though the standard features covered essential safety needs.