2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its “modernist” and “reductive” design approach, which translated to clean and simple aesthetics. For those seeking a high-profile, attention-grabbing luxury SUV, the Range Rover Sport might have disappointed slightly. Land Rover offered limited flashy options like the Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels. A performance-tuned SVR with a twin-turbocharged V8 and bolder styling was expected to join the lineup soon.

The test vehicle arrived in a muted Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a subtle Black Exterior Pack, presenting a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim exuded understated luxury. Various packages, including Cold Climate and Technology Packs, raised the MSRP to $98,420.

Design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and innovative surface LED taillights. The Range Rover Sport’s aerodynamics were top-notch with a 0.29 drag coefficient. The interior boasted sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery that enriched the cabin with a luxurious fragrance.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained an appealing contender in the compact crossover segment. While its smaller back seat and cargo area might have been drawbacks, the CX-5’s upscale design and high-quality materials made it feel more luxurious than most mass-market counterparts. The 2023 model continued to impress with its stylish looks and Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The CX-5's transformation into the CX-50 didn’t hinder its appeal. The tested 2.5 Turbo Signature came with a new Rhodium White metallic paint, premium Nappa leather, and a rear bumper guard, raising its MSRP to $41,655. This price reflected the CX-5’s quality and sophistication, offering excellent value in the compact crossover segment. Every version of the CX-5 came with a refined look and feel, ensuring that buyers got a vehicle that exuded quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed for both refinement and driver engagement. Land Rover’s challenge was to create an SUV capable of off-road prowess and enjoyable road driving. The SE and SE Dynamic models featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The SE Dynamic’s engine produced 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the SE P360 delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft.

A PHEV version, standard in the Autobiography P440e, offered 434 hp and a 51-mile electric range. Early models also came with a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, but it was no longer available. A fully electric version was slated for 2024.

The tested P400’s 395-hp engine accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieved 22.3 mpg in combined driving. The Range Rover Sport featured adaptive damping air suspension, Dynamic driving mode, and other advanced systems that promised refined performance. However, it didn’t match the sporty dynamics of rivals like the Audi SQ7 or BMW X5 M60i. Off-road, it excelled with 11.1 inches of ground clearance and a 35.4-inch wading depth.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S base model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with AWD and a six-speed automatic transmission. It returned an EPA estimate of 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo variant with turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder provided 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, achieving 24 mpg combined.

Mazda enhanced the CX-5’s rigidity and suspension, created a more solid ride, and reduced noise, improving the driving experience. The turbocharged engine’s torque arrived early, making the CX-5 quick and responsive. Mountain testing yielded 21.4 mpg combined, slightly under EPA estimates. While it wasn’t an off-road vehicle, the CX-5 delivered an engaging driving experience, especially on twisty roads.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy driving environment. The air suspension facilitated easier entry and exit. Front seats provided 20-way power adjustments and heating/ventilation. However, the rear seat, while supportive, was tight for longer-legged passengers. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet, expandable to 53 cubic feet with seats folded, with practical storage solutions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 had improved front seats, with power adjustments, heating/ventilation, and supple Nappa leather on the Signature trim. However, its infotainment and storage disappointed. The cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet, less than some rivals but better than many entry-luxury models.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Despite its features, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating, with issues in accessing and using functions. The Range Rover Sport also offered impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation.

Conversely, the 2023 Mazda CX-5’s Mazda Connect infotainment system had a 10.25-inch display but suffered from awkward physical controls and a lack of a conversational voice assistant. The system required memorization and conscious thought, which was distracting. However, it provided Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mazda Connected Services, and a premium Bose audio system on upper trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond, and the steering assist technology was unsatisfactory, especially around freeway curves.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with standard i-Activsense tech across most trims, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The top trims added features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star NHTSA ratings and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.