2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to premium quality, showcasing captivating style and continual product improvement. This model year saw enhancements such as more standard equipment, refined cabin instrumentation, and noise reduction modifications. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and distinctive, with the interior in Signature trim offering a luxurious feel through premium Nappa leather and real wood accents. However, the Caturra Brown leather's lack of contrast with the black cabin slightly diminished its premium appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its origins, with a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle, though it offered excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard on lower trims, with AWD optional, while higher trims featured a turbocharged engine delivering up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided robust acceleration despite the vehicle's weight, though it was less efficient, averaging 10.6 L/100 km. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but excessive body motions detracted from the overall experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine generating 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's substantial weight impacted performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a Torsen centre differential, 4WD system with low range, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX's towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, with stability control including trailer-sway control.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and well-equipped, though more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Heated front seats were standard, with higher trims adding features like power-adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space was 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console storage and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, though the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was 1,833 litres with the second and third rows folded, but minimal with the third row in use.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose sound system, and a surround-view camera. The system required acclimation, with controls on the centre console and steering wheel, and voice-recognition technology that was not user-friendly.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature. Analog controls were included for most functions, providing a straightforward interface compared to screen-centric systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual testing parameters.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.