2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's exterior was a blend of classic Range Rover elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, with a modern, sporty twist. The vehicle's proportions, including its long wheelbase and short overhangs, were reminiscent of the larger Range Rover models but scaled down to create a sleek and streamlined appearance. The Velar's design was further enhanced by features like pop-out door handles and intricate taillight lenses, which added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a showcase of high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, with a focus on simplicity and elegance. The three-screen setup, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, provided a sophisticated and user-friendly interface.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a more compact and practical design, drawing inspiration from the larger CX-5. Its upright grille and smooth fenders gave it a distinctive look, while the raked windshield added a touch of sportiness. The CX-30's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to creating comfortable and quiet cabins. The design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a blend of conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen, although not touch-sensitive, was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, contributing to the overall elegance of the interior. Despite its compact size, the CX-30 provided a comfortable and spacious environment for both driver and passengers, with thoughtful touches like deep door pockets and a sliding center console cover.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was distinct from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved handling and braking, making it more enjoyable to drive on winding roads. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the turbo-four provided adequate performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered a more exhilarating experience. Available in two states of tune, the inline-six delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, making the Velar a compelling choice for those seeking high performance. The Velar's Terrain Response system and optional air suspension further enhanced its versatility, although its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, offered a choice between a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged engine, which produced up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, provided lively acceleration and a sporty driving experience. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system contributed to its engaging performance, while the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's suspension was tuned for a sporty and refined ride, with quick and precise steering and minimal body roll in corners. However, the firm suspension setup resulted in a rough ride over uneven surfaces, making it less comfortable on bumpy roads.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish yet compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its sleek design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating, as they prioritized aesthetics over functionality. The Pivi Pro infotainment system, however, was a highlight, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of advanced features.

In comparison, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided a more practical interior with up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The front seats offered ample storage options, while the rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips. The CX-30's interior design was both functional and stylish, with a focus on providing a comfortable and user-friendly environment for occupants.

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 a heated windshield. The Velar also offered a range of advanced driver-assistance features, although some, like the adaptive cruise control with steering assist, were optional.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system, while elegant in design, was less user-friendly due to its lack of touch functionality. Controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, the system was inspired by older luxury-car infotainment systems but lacked the usability improvements seen in more recent designs. Despite this, the CX-30 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree parking camera.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it performed well in European NCAP tests, earning five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning five stars and a Top Safety Pick+ award, respectively. The CX-30 came equipped with a comprehensive array of standard and optional driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and reverse automatic emergency braking.