2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 presented a sleek and smooth design that stood out in a market often dominated by sharp angles and aggressive lines. Its exterior was consistent across most trim levels, with the base model featuring LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. As buyers moved up the trim ladder, they found additional features like leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced lighting systems that enhanced both style and functionality. The top-tier Signature model offered premium touches such as Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, elevating the CX-5 to a level that rivaled luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender maintained its iconic boxy silhouette, reminiscent of its rugged predecessors. Despite its classic appearance, the Defender incorporated modern design elements like rounded corners and recessed LED headlights, which contributed to its aerodynamic profile. The interior was spacious, offering improved headroom and legroom compared to the original model. Land Rover's design choices, such as exposed metal and screws, emphasized the Defender's rugged character while maintaining a sense of luxury with leather and suede upholstery. The Defender's design successfully balanced nostalgia with contemporary style, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. For those seeking more power, a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, standard on higher trims with AWD. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the most economical version achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. While the turbo engine provided a spirited driving experience, the CX-5's stiff suspension and limited seat bolstering were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid producing 395 horsepower. The highlight was the new V8 engine, generating 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Defender's suspension provided a comfortable ride on pavement, while its off-road capabilities remained impressive, thanks to features like a 4WD system with low range and optional Terrain Response 2.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable seating position and straightforward climate controls. However, rear legroom was limited, and the cargo space was below average for its class, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The center console's large shifter and infotainment controls were not ideally positioned for all drivers, impacting overall usability.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender provided versatile seating options, with the two-door Defender 90 offering 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. The four-door Defender 110 was available in two-row and three-row configurations, with cargo space ranging from 11.4 to 70.4 cubic feet, depending on the seating arrangement. The interior emphasized functionality, with easy-to-reach controls and ample storage options, including a large center-console bin. Optional exterior cargo solutions, like a roof rack and side-mounted boxes, enhanced the Defender's practicality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was criticized for being outdated and difficult to use. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the screen's positioning made it challenging to reach. The lack of intuitive controls for the stereo further detracted from the user experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system's graphics and menu layouts were praised, though the screen required a firm touch to operate. Optional tech features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a surround-view camera system, enhancing both entertainment and safety.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda's warranty covered three years/36,000 miles for basic coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, with optional blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Defender, which is common for luxury vehicles.