2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the aggressive design trends of its competitors, opting instead for a sleek and smooth aesthetic that exuded a sense of motion even when stationary. While it didn't boast the flashiest design, it took Mazda's familiar styling in a more refined direction. The base model, CX-5 Sport, featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring Reserve added luxury touches such as leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced lighting systems. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing reputation for luxury SUVs. Its design was a masterclass in elegance, with a sporty yet sophisticated profile that echoed the larger Range Rover's iconic silhouette. The Velar's exterior was marked by its trapezoidal roof, flush door handles, and distinctive grille, making it instantly recognizable. The R-Dynamic trim added a touch of aggression with bronze accents and a darker grille. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern design, featuring a polished black center stack and a reconfigurable instrument panel. Despite its stylish appearance, the Velar's interior space was somewhat compromised, with limited headroom and cargo capacity compared to its rivals.

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 with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The more powerful option was a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, standard on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims with AWD. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD non-turbo model achieving 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the turbocharged AWD version managed 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The CX-5 was known for its engaging driving dynamics, though its stiff suspension and limited seat bolstering were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a more agile and responsive driving experience than previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, or 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The Velar's air suspension provided a plush ride, and its Terrain Response system offered multiple driving modes for various conditions. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was designed with family functionality in mind, offering a comfortable seating position and straightforward climate controls. However, rear legroom was limited, and its cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The CX-5's interior featured a larger shifter and infotainment controls that were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over practicality, resulting in a tighter interior space. Rear-seat headroom was limited, and visibility was compromised by thick pillars and small windows. Cargo capacity was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical and potentially unsafe.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was considered outdated and cumbersome to use. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and the lack of physical knobs for tuning the stereo was a drawback.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. The system included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo as standard, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. It earned high safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Optional safety features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but it performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.