2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design that was both praised and critiqued. During its development, a decision was made to cover the lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding, which was considered a misstep. This excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear small and gave the vehicle a lifted look, as if it were perpetually on a service center's hydraulic lift. Despite this, the CX-30's overall design was commendable, especially the interior, which exuded luxury above the cabin's midpoint. Below that, hard plastics were prevalent, but given the price point, this was expected. The CX-30's pricing started at $21,900, with various trims offering additional features and upgrades, such as the Premium AWD model, which included a navigation system and other extras, totaling $32,120.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, with the 2021 model starting at $92,000. The Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the long-wheelbase version reaching prices upwards of $250,000. Our test vehicle, the HSE Westminster special edition, was priced at $106,715 and featured standard paint, wheels, and leather, with a few additional options. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the cabin was luxurious, with an Ivory-color interior and a mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its competitive figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option affected its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was praised for its efficiency, and the optional AWD system included an off-road traction assist. With 8 inches of ground clearance, the CX-30 was suitable for light off-roading. The driving dynamics were a mixed bag; while it felt slower compared to the sporty Mazda3, it was sprightly compared to other small SUVs. The steering and braking were sharp, but the higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension affected handling. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 23.9 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road capability. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV was quiet and quick, though the steering was slow and the suspension struggled with the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity. The EPA rated the Range Rover at 20 mpg combined, but testing showed 18.5 mpg.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance. Inside, the cabin was elegant, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, with large analog gauges for easy reference. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, and cargo space was modest at 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were comfortable and wrapped in quality leather, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability. Despite this, the rear seat offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated bin. Cargo space was 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, but still less than some competitors.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30's technology was straightforward, with an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard. The system avoided a touchscreen to keep the driver's focus on the road, but the controls were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on higher trims. The Premium trim added a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, and using the touchscreens while driving was distracting. The Range Rover included a head-up display, but it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed for keyless entry, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

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 warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with Premium trim.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.