2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a combination that had defined the brand since its inception. Originating from the rugged Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with stout 4x4 underpinnings, appealing to wealthy British landowners. By 2012, the current-generation Range Rover was introduced, offering various trims like HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, while options ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo presented a bold aesthetic with its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design gave the CX-30 a light and agile appearance, distinct from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The interior mirrored the Mazda3’s quality materials and upscale vibe, with changes like a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror. The CX-30 Turbo offered a choice of leatherette or leather upholstery, with prices ranging from $31,000 to $35,745, depending on the trim and options selected.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, 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. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid powertrain offered 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with a 19-mile electric range. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 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 efficiency. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, featuring an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System with multiple drive modes.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 lb-ft, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with a driving range of just over 305 miles. Mazda's focus on driving satisfaction was evident in the CX-30 Turbo's performance, with G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and i-Activ all-wheel-drive system enhancing handling and traction. The CX-30 Turbo's off-road capability was supported by an Off-Road mode, providing confidence in challenging conditions. However, its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3, though it remained a rewarding drive compared to mainstream small SUVs.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more comfort with optional second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to four. Cargo space in the SWB model was 70.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 34.5 cubic feet with them up, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet total. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing loading convenience. The front row provided decent storage, with space beneath the digital control panel and ample door compartments.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was easy to enter and exit, offering exceptional comfort for the driver with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism created a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, but the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was inconvenient. The CX-30 Turbo provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, and smartphone connectivity, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response modes. Integrated dials in the lower screen changed functions based on the selected menu. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob provided tactile control. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's 8.8-inch infotainment display was not a touchscreen, operated instead by physical controls and voice commands. The Mazda Connect system required acclimation, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto providing familiar digital assistants. The CX-30 Turbo included three years of Mazda Connected Services, with Premium and Premium Plus trims offering SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. 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.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS, including adaptive front lighting and Traffic Jam Assist. Premium Plus trim added parking sensors, rear automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. A mobile 9-1-1 emergency notification system enhanced safety in the event of a collision.