2023 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 flush door handles and intricate taillight lenses, which added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a mix of high-quality materials and sophisticated design, with a polished black center stack and sharp, reconfigurable screens that provided a modern touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a different kind of appeal with its artful design and upscale interior. The CX-30's exterior was characterized by a long hood and dramatic flanks, giving it a nose-heavy appearance that was both distinctive and attractive. However, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall elegance. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was a testament to Mazda's commitment to quality, with a tasteful combination of materials and colors that gave it an entry-level luxury feel. The interior was well-appointed, with features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a power sunroof, although the front passenger seat lacked the adjustability found in the driver's seat. Despite its shortcomings, the CX-30's interior was comfortable and refined, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium experience at a more affordable price point.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering characteristics that were a departure from traditional Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved cornering and braking performance. 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 this powertrain provided adequate acceleration, it was not particularly exciting. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered more power and performance, with the R-Dynamic HSE model delivering 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhanced the Velar's performance while reducing emissions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options, with the 2.5 S models featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5 Turbo models, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque when using premium fuel. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode, and all-wheel drive was standard. The CX-30's performance was characterized by robust acceleration and a satisfying engine note, although the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in heavy traffic. The vehicle's suspension provided a compliant ride, but the front strut and rear torsion-beam setup struggled with speed bumps and humps. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 was one of the most enjoyable vehicles in its class on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and excellent steering.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish yet somewhat cramped interior. While it was slightly roomier than compact SUVs, the Velar's design sacrifices interior space for aesthetics. Rear-seat passengers experienced limited headroom, and visibility was compromised by thick B-pillars and small rear windows. 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 was marred by the lack of a discrete parking brake control, replaced by a multifunctional P button that could be confusing in emergencies. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster operation.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a power sunroof. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat was limited to four-way manual adjustment. Rear passengers had limited legroom, but the seatbacks were padded for added comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with various compartments and bins throughout the cabin. The CX-30's cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, which was average for the segment. The power liftgate, standard on higher trims, was a convenient feature, although the lack of additional storage solutions in the cargo area was a drawback.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its reliability and user-friendly interface. The system featured a simplified layout with fewer icons and more logical arrangements, making it easy to navigate. Voice activation was available through the "Hey Land Rover" command, and the system offered various useful features, such as a PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, although the driving assist display lacked detail compared to competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had several shortcomings, including the absence of a touchscreen display and conversational voice-recognition technology. The system relied on center console controls, which required drivers to take their eyes off the road. The lack of a tuning knob further complicated the user experience. Despite these issues, the system featured an 8.8-inch display with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system.

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30's safety systems worked well during testing, although the forward-collision warning system was overly sensitive in certain situations.