2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a bold and distinctive appearance. Mazda's design philosophy aimed to create a light and agile look, as if the body floated over the wheels, which was achieved through its unique styling. The CX-30 stood out from its sibling, the Mazda3 hatchback, by being perceptually and physically higher off the ground, offering a more SUV-like experience. Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, featuring quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, providing an upscale vibe. The interior changes were minimal, with a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror. The SUV offered a choice of leatherette or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level, with prices ranging from $31,000 to $35,745 for the Premium Plus trim.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of unadorned sheet metal. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look. The materials were of excellent quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin added to its premium appeal, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market, rivaling even more expensive alternatives like Maybach or Bentley.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque was impressive, measuring 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, ensuring consistent acceleration at lower engine speeds. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, with a real-world average of 24.1 mpg, resulting in a maximum driving range of just over 305 miles. Mazda's focus on driving satisfaction was evident, with the CX-30 Turbo delivering effortless acceleration and a sophisticated driving experience. The i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology helped manage torque steer and distribute power effectively. However, the CX-30's added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3, though its 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode compensated for this when venturing off the highway.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, impressive for an SUV weighing nearly 6,000 pounds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Standard rear-wheel-steering enhanced maneuverability, while the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The Range Rover's ride quality was smooth, with minimal wind and road noise, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on higher trims, though ventilated seats were not available. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, despite the CX-30 being a small SUV. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, but rear-seat air conditioning vents provided some comfort. Storage space was generous, though the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin forced a choice between storage and charging. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered plenty of space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided familiar smartphone integration. The Premium and Premium Plus trims included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

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 equipped with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. A mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system was also standard.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional safety features not present in the Range Rover.