2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport featured premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its sleek design. The interior boasted Windsor leather upholstery, adding to the overall sense of luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, which had aged well and continued to look modern and appealing. The test vehicle arrived in the new-for-2024 Carbon Turbo trim, featuring Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda's design choices, including gloss-black exterior detailing, added to the CX-5's appeal. The CX-5 lineup included various trim levels, with prices ranging from $29,300 to $40,600, plus destination charges. The Carbon Turbo test vehicle had a rear bumper guard and an interior lighting kit, bringing the MSRP to $39,355. Despite being a compact crossover, the CX-5's interior materials, seating, technology, and overall design created an upscale feel at a mainstream price.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The lower-priced SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was commendable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. On regular gas, it offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, with torque arriving 500 rpm sooner. The CX-5 Turbo's powertrain was more rewarding when driven with a slower and steadier approach, allowing the revs to build before utilizing the torque. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 22.9 mpg on the evaluation loop. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and it featured Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology for enhanced cornering. The SUV's handling was lively and stable, with a decent 7.9 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The CX-5 could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power-adjustable options, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area provided 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle's full-size spare limited storage space under the cargo floor.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats, redesigned for comfort and support. The driver's seat offered six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. The CX-5's interior was snug but comfortable for four adults, with supportive rear seats and soft front seatback material. The cabin's design and quality elevated it above most mass-market rivals. The cargo area offered 30 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but could be challenging to access.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favor of traditional switchgear for various controls. However, it allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. The 10.25-inch display was easy to navigate, with a large knob and surrounding buttons for quick access. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The Carbon Turbo model featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. It also featured a surround-view camera system and Remote Park Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA.