2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

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 a variety of trims such as 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, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, favoring smooth lines over sharp creases. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic LED headlights and 17-inch wheels, while the Touring trim added leatherette seats and dual-zone climate control. The Touring Preferred SV Package introduced a Bose sound system and leather seats. The Carbon Edition offered unique styling with red leather seats and black metallic wheels. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims provided premium features like ventilated seats and Nappa leather, with the Signature model rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

The 2020 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. 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, the performance variant, 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, offering impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The base engine was available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the turbo engine came standard with AWD. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD non-turbo model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbo engine provided a spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension detracted from overall comfort.

The 2020 Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with the SWB providing 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and the LWB offering 77.5 cubic feet. The interior featured comfortable seating for five, or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The hands-free power liftgate and two-piece configuration made loading cargo easier. The center-console compartment was convenient, and the digital control panel allowed for additional storage space.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior design was functional, with good headroom but limited legroom for rear passengers. The SUV featured two full LATCH connections for child seats and straightforward climate controls. However, the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up passenger space. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for the segment. A power liftgate was available.

The 2020 Range Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo system featured two touchscreens, with the top screen handling navigation and media, and the lower screen managing climate controls and vehicle settings. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob was included for convenience. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less intuitive, and the lack of tuning knobs made it difficult to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing for easier media control via smartphones.

The 2020 Range Rover included 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.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda offered a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.