Compare the2023 Mazda CX-5VS 2023 Lexus UX

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-5. But it costs extra on the UX.

The CX-5 Turbo Signature has a standard 360° Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The UX only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the CX-5 and the UX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Lexus UX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Lexus UX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 2 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

The CX-5’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 6 more horsepower (187 vs. 181) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 75 more horsepower (256 vs. 181) than the UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mazda CX-5 4 cyl. is faster than the Lexus UX:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The UX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The CX-5 has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the UX (15.3 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the CX-5 Turbo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the UX:

The CX-5 stops shorter than the UX:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-5 Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo has standard 19-inch wheels. The UX’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The CX-5 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the UX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-5’s wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than on the UX (106.2 inches vs. 103.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-5 is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the UX.

The CX-5 handles at .81 G’s, while the UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CX-5 has 13.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the UX (103.6 vs. 90.4).

The CX-5 has 2.4 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room, 2 inches more front shoulder room, 2.7 inches more rear headroom, 6.5 inches more rear legroom, 3 inches more rear hip room and 1.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the UX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the CX-5’s rear seats recline. The UX’s rear seats don’t recline.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the UX (30.8 vs. 17.1 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CX-5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The UX doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The CX-5 has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The UX has no towing capacity.

The CX-5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The UX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-5’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the UX’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

Both the CX-5 and the UX offer available heated front seats. The CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the UX.

Insurance will cost less for the CX-5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-5 will cost $745 less than the UX over a five-year period.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda CX-5 and the Lexus UX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Lexus UX by almost 15 to one during 2022.