2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but 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, featuring Luxury trim, showcased impressive 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the yet-to-be-released TX 550h+. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and options for FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, featured FWD, Luxury trim, and various packages, providing a luxurious interior with premium materials, though the dark Peppercorn interior felt somewhat gloomy.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that was lower, wider, and longer, emphasizing its broad-shouldered proportions. It featured square wheel arches and faux air vents, presenting a fresher design than the older CX-5. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a range of wheel sizes and styling options. The test car, a 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, enhanced its adventurous image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and additional trim. Despite its rugged appearance, the CX-50 didn't include suspension changes or drive modes for off-road capability. The interior boasted an earthy color palette and quality materials, with a design that was pleasing and practical. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as the CX-50's interior, while a step up from mainstream brands, didn't fully match luxury competitors.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine provided adequate performance, though the engine note and torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension balanced firmness and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo version offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road. Turbo models increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, with additional wind noise from the roof platform. Despite these, the CX-50 was well-mannered, though the rugged model might not be necessary for all buyers.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model included premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs optional. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better comfort than previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort reduced second-row legroom. The TX provided numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet 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. It compared closely with rivals in legroom but trailed in cargo space. The CX-50 provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. Access was eased by an optional power liftgate, though the cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, maintaining a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the console. While some competitors reduced shifter size for more space, Mazda retained a traditional setup.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription, providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with additional subscriptions for safety and remote features. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose system. The interface, lacking a touchscreen, required adjustment but provided physical feedback. While the system felt dated, it suited buyers preferring simplicity. The focus on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto minimized the importance of the native system's graphics.

The 2024 Lexus TX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. Traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds. Overall, the system was smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it scored lower in nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlight ratings. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with five-star frontal and four-star rollover ratings. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional features included rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.