2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated black wheels. It featured exclusive shiny black 18-inch rollers, a shiny black grille, shiny black side mirror housings, and thick matte black body cladding. Mazda's design aimed to give the CX-30 Turbo a light and agile appearance, as if it were floating over the wheels. This effect made the CX-30 look distinct from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based, with a higher ground clearance both perceptually and in reality. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s, with quality materials, complementary tones and textures, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, giving it an upscale vibe. The Premium Plus trim added chrome accents and a frameless rearview mirror, with options for black or Griege leatherette upholstery, or black or white leather in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a more refined and simplified design. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its jutting spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, the F Sport featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and a new F Sport steering wheel with unique instrumentation. The interior design was minimalist, with fewer buttons and knobs, integrating many functions into the available 14-inch touchscreen. However, this decluttering sometimes made it challenging to quickly locate and use some features.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. It delivered 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, ensuring consistent acceleration at lower engine speeds. The CX-30 Turbo had an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 24.1 mpg. Mazda's i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its dynamic performance, distributing power to the rear wheels as needed. The CX-30 Turbo also featured an Off-Road mode for better traction on rough terrain. However, its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3, though it compensated with 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and an Off-Road mode for better off-road capability.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, available between 1,600 and 3,600 rpm. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the F Sport trim adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and responsive on winding roads, while the Luxury trim provided a softer, more relaxed driving experience. Lexus estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX 350 was a dynamic improvement over its predecessor, though its turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, but the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was inconvenient. The CX-30 Turbo provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat. The NX offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and better-bolstered seats in the F Sport trim. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls or voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected service subscription plans. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and digital key capability.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS, including adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30 Turbo also featured a mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.