2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and rugged capability, tracing its roots back to the original Series I off-roader. Over the years, it evolved into a symbol of opulence, offering a blend of luxury and off-road prowess that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover was available in various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, with options for standard or long wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, while higher trims added more luxurious touches like massaging seats and advanced climate control.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 aimed to deliver a premium experience at a more accessible price point. Mazda focused on captivating style and substance, with the CX-5 offering more standard equipment and improved cabin aesthetics. The 2020 model featured enhancements to reduce noise and vibration, and the turbocharged engine provided increased torque. The CX-5's design, both inside and out, was praised for its upscale appearance, with the Signature trim offering Nappa leather and real wood accents. Despite its smaller interior space compared to competitors, the CX-5's focus on style and comfort made it a compelling choice for those seeking a more luxurious feel in a compact SUV.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim, the performance variant, boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to produce 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and off-road capability.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, delivering 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. Despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, the turbocharged CX-5 accelerated with authority, though it was less efficient, achieving 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced its driving dynamics, though its high center of gravity led to excessive body motions in corners.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB version offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxurious interior, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. The SUV featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing its practicality.

In comparison, the 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was more cramped than some of its competitors, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, Mazda focused on creating an upscale cabin with stylish design elements and a generous list of standard equipment. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Higher trims included features like a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and Nappa leather upholstery, enhancing the overall luxury feel.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though it required a learning curve and had occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display added to the Range Rover's tech offerings.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which drew inspiration from luxury brands like Audi and BMW. The system included a 7-inch touchscreen in Sport trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added in Touring trim. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium sound system, and a navigation system. While the system offered various interaction methods, including voice recognition, it required acclimation and had some operational challenges. Mazda planned to update the system in future models to address these issues.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

Mazda's 2020 CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense banner. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 also featured standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers. Its strong structural engineering and performance in crash tests earned it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.