2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a few bold paint colors and large 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 sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in several specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a more rugged design compared to its sibling, the CX-5. It was lower, wider, and longer, with a stretched wheelbase, giving it broad-shouldered proportions emphasized by square wheel arches and fake air vents. The CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition test car showcasing an active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy color palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its appeal. Inside, the CX-50 featured a pleasing design with a BMW-like infotainment screen placement and impressive material quality. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as evidenced by the standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats in base models.

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, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It boasted a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds and offered impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 22.3 mpg on evaluation routes. The SUV's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with its advanced suspension and technology, offering a wading depth of 35.4 inches and various off-road features.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's driving experience differed from the CX-5, focusing more on daily driving comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 remained well-mannered, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a comfortable daily driver.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport provided decent storage within the cabin, though some compartments were less practical.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, it offered a power liftgate for easier access. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, despite the presence of a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

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 offered 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, with difficulties in accessing features and understanding its functions. The Range Rover Sport also featured impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without distraction. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driving assistance systems such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less satisfactory, with slow responses and difficulties in maintaining lane centering.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. It offered standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.