Lexus NX250 vs Mazda CX-5

What's the difference?

As far as clichés go, attempting to make “a silk purse from a sow’s ear” couldn’t be more apt than when contemplating the original NX of 2014.

What was essentially the Lexus-fication of the vocal, fidgety and thirsty old Toyota RAV4 may have worked a treat sales-wise, but proved trickier when assessed against the lens of a BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 rival.

The earliest NX just wasn’t refined enough.

This was especially true following the reborn RAV4 arrival in 2019, proving to be embarrassingly more competent – even compared to most luxury midsized SUV alternatives.

Now, finally, the NX redesign has followed suit, moving on to a variation of the Toyota’s stronger, quieter and more advanced TNGA architecture (dubbed GA-K) as a starting base.

Speaking of which, let’s dive straight into the least-expensive version, the NX 250 Luxury 2WD auto, to find out if the most popular Lexus model in Australia has finally found its mojo.

What does the Mazda CX-5 have in common with the VW Golf, Lotus Elise and Porsche Cayenne?

They all saved their respective carmakers from going under.
Keeping rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan on their toes since launching in 2012, the Japanese medium-sized SUV has wooed buyers with its styling, quality, driveability, ease and brand reputation ever since.

Now, after 14 years, five million-plus examples of essentially the same vehicle, a third-generation CX-5 has launched, and we have questions.

Like, what’s actually changed? Are the changes enough? How does it drive? And where’s the hybrid?

Keep reading for answers and more.