2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design that was both praised and critiqued. While its overall styling was considered attractive, the excessive gray plastic cladding around its lower perimeter was seen as a misstep, making the 18-inch wheels appear undersized and giving the vehicle a lifted appearance. Despite this, the interior was noted for its luxurious feel, especially above the midpoint of the cabin, where soft-touch materials were prevalent. The lower half, however, was dominated by hard plastics, which was expected given the vehicle's price point. The CX-30's pricing started at $21,900, with various trims offering additional features and upgrades, such as all-wheel drive and premium paint options.

In contrast, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and capability, rooted in its heritage as a rugged yet refined vehicle. Introduced in 2012 for the 2013 model year, the Range Rover offered multiple 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 sophisticated infotainment system. The Range Rover's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with options for heated and ventilated seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, and even a front console refrigerator. The SVAutobiography trim stood out with unique styling and nearly every available feature, making it the pinnacle of the Range Rover lineup.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Despite its competitive power figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was praised for its ability to maximize the engine's output, with paddle shifters available on the Premium trim. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading, though its handling was affected by its higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined for the AWD model, though real-world testing showed a lower average of 23.9 mpg.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a more powerful version of the same engine, while a turbodiesel V6 was also available. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, delivering 518 horsepower, while the SVAutobiography Dynamic trim offered an even more potent 557 horsepower. The Range Rover's performance was complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with an electronic air suspension providing a comfortable ride. The Terrain Response System offered multiple drive modes for various conditions, ensuring the Range Rover's off-road prowess.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered a higher seating position compared to the Mazda3, making entry and exit easier. The interior was noted for its upscale appearance, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was comfortable, with large analog gauges for easy reference. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather and genuine leather available on higher trims. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, and cargo space was modest at 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was available in standard and long wheelbase versions, with seating for five or four with optional second-row captain's chairs. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover's two-piece power liftgate facilitated loading large items and created a convenient tailgate setup. The interior featured a center-console compartment and ample door storage, with a focus on luxury and comfort.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 featured an 8.8-inch static display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a touchscreen to maintain driver focus. However, the system's controls were not always intuitive, requiring users to limit interaction while driving. Standard technology included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on higher trims. A 12-speaker Bose sound system and head-up display were offered on the Premium trim.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo system was the centerpiece of its dashboard, featuring two touchscreens for navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though the reliance on digital screens could be challenging due to occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and head-up display were also available, enhancing the Range Rover's technological appeal.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Premium trim offered adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received high marks for crashworthiness, with a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

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