2020 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style that positioned it between the sleek Evoque and the more traditional, boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinctive profile, setting it apart from the upright stance of its siblings. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar's high-quality leather and metal trim created a luxurious environment, with a cockpit-like feel that made drivers feel enveloped by the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in delivering a premium experience through captivating style and substance. Mazda's commitment to quality was evident in the CX-5's refined interior, which featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and real wood accents in the Signature trim. The SUV's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and distinctive. Despite its upscale appearance, the CX-5's interior was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, Mazda compensated for this with a generous list of standard features, making the CX-5 a compelling choice for those seeking a touch of luxury in a compact crossover.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as some competitors, and its size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess compared to other models.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a more balanced performance with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of this engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The CX-5's six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive provided a smooth driving experience. While the turbocharged engine offered strong acceleration, the CX-5's handling was less thrilling due to excessive body motions. However, its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and responsive steering made it enjoyable to drive in typical situations.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as expected, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC offering more legroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling contributed to a claustrophobic feeling inside, and visibility was hindered by the tall hood and limited side glass. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while more cramped than some mainstream competitors, offered a stylish and upscale interior. The CX-5's cabin featured elegant metallic accents and clear gauges, with higher trims adding luxury touches like Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Front seats were comfortable, though rear passengers might find legroom lacking. Cargo space was more generous than the Velar, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with them folded. The CX-5's focus on style and standard equipment made it a compelling choice for those seeking a more upscale compact crossover.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which included dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The upper screen handled navigation and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. Despite its high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, though the capacitive steering-wheel controls were prone to glare.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system aimed to deliver an upscale experience, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the Sport trim and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and smartphone integration, with higher trims adding a Bose premium sound system and navigation. While the system offered multiple interaction methods, including voice recognition, it was often frustrating to use. Mazda planned to update the system in 2021, addressing some of these issues with a wider, more modern display.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available as options. However, Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated than competitors, with some features requiring additional cost.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The CX-5's i-Activsense package included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The only optional safety feature was adaptive headlights, standard on higher trims. The CX-5's strong safety performance and standard features made it a standout choice for safety-conscious buyers.