2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match in the small luxury SUV segment. Its design was a masterclass in elegance, with a sleek, sporty silhouette that borrowed the iconic tall profile of the larger Range Rover and transformed it into a more compact form. The Velar's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and the signature Land Rover grille. Special touches like the flush door handles and intricate taillight lenses added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a testament to high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish, even in the base trim. The interior boasted a polished black center stack and three sharp screens, offering a sophisticated and user-friendly interface.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a rugged yet seductive design, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. Its styling was a departure from Mazda's usual elegance, incorporating rugged elements like blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes. The CX-50's exterior design was both appealing and functional, with a standard black grille and available 20-inch wheels enhancing its sporty look. Inside, the CX-50's cabin was a blend of driver-focused design and quality materials, featuring black leather with caramel-colored stitching. The interior was comfortable and well-equipped, with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample space for passengers. The CX-50's design was both practical and stylish, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile compact crossover.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering 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. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the base engine provided average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered more power, with up to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. The Velar's Terrain Response system and All Terrain Progress Control added to its versatility, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided smooth acceleration and increased towing capacity, making it a popular choice for those seeking more power. The CX-50's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, worked with G-Vectoring Control to ensure natural vehicle behavior. The CX-50's ride quality was firm yet comfortable, and its ground clearance of 8.6 inches made it capable of handling light off-road situations.

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 included some frustrating elements, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control and a bulky shifter that obstructed access to climate controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the user experience with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with power-adjustable heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample rear-seat space. The CX-50's cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet of space, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While storage space was adequate, the CX-50 could have benefited from additional storage bins. The power rear liftgate and long load floor added to its practicality, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations with its simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. The system featured a voice assistant, PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, enhancing the driving experience with high-quality audio and comprehensive vehicle information.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. While the system traditionally lacked touchscreen control, the CX-50 introduced touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered valuable information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar received a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), though U.S. crash-test ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, similar to other Mazda models. It offered a comprehensive package of standard driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. While the CX-50's safety systems generally performed well, there were instances where the adaptive cruise control failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the lane.