2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Land Rover Defender presented a unique blend of classic and contemporary design elements. Its boxy silhouette was reminiscent of traditional Land Rover models, yet it incorporated modern touches like angular headlights that aligned it with the brand's current lineup. Inside, the Defender's cabin diverged from the typical Land Rover aesthetic, offering a more rugged and adventure-ready feel akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with superior soft-touch materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offering various trims such as S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. Our test drive of the Defender 110 S, equipped with the County visual package, highlighted its retro appeal with white wheels and vintage graphics, while standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, yet it still appeared modern and attractive. Our test vehicle, the new-for-2024 Carbon Turbo trim, featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, complemented by gloss-black exterior detailing. The CX-5 lineup included 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with the latter offering a turbocharged engine for enhanced performance. Mazda made subtle improvements to the CX-5, such as better fuel economy for the base engine and the addition of wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5's interior was noted for its upscale materials and design, providing a comfortable yet snug environment for four adults, with a cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Defender offered two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options: the P500 with 493 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, and the P525 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender's towing capacity varied, with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder models capable of towing up to 7,716 pounds, while the four-cylinder could tow up to 5,500 pounds. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly with features like the adaptive air suspension system and Terrain Response 2 system, making it a formidable choice for rugged terrains.

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 still provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, with torque arriving 500 rpm sooner. The CX-5 Turbo's powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the revs to build before unleashing its torque. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving, and our observed 22.9 mpg on a Southern California evaluation loop. The CX-5's driving experience was enhanced by its re-tuned suspension, stiffened frame, and standard all-wheel drive, offering a smooth and responsive ride. It also featured Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, improving cornering and minimizing body motions. The CX-5 was capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds, making it suitable for light towing needs.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender struck a balance between luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials alongside practical elements like grip handles and rubberized floors. It offered seating for five to eight passengers, depending on the configuration and body style. The Defender 110 had an optional third row, best suited for children, while the Defender 130 increased seating capacity to eight but remained limited in space. Cargo capacity varied, with the Defender 130 offering up to 76.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, and the Defender 110 providing up to 78.8 cubic feet in its two-row version. The two-door Defender 90 offered 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The multifunctional climate control dials were a minor drawback, but the overall interior was versatile and comfortable.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and supportive driving experience, with standard heated front seats and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Leather upholstery was standard on all trims except the base 2.5 S Select, which featured artificial leather. The CX-5's interior was noted for its upscale design and quality, rivaling luxury-branded vehicles. However, it was among the smaller models in its segment regarding interior room, comfortably accommodating four adults. The rear seat offered good support and a proper sitting position, with rear air conditioning vents and a center fold-down armrest enhancing passenger comfort. The CX-5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, which was less than most other compact crossovers.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came equipped with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen. While the touchscreen seemed small compared to competitors, it was refreshingly simple and aligned with the Defender's utilitarian persona. Standard features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup and home buttons on the left and right rails made it easy to navigate the system, providing a blend of refinement and utility.

Mazda's approach to technology in the 2024 CX-5 focused on minimizing driver distraction, offering traditional switchgear for various controls. While touchscreens were commonplace, Mazda provided a setting for touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving, with wireless connectivity available in several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the center console, offering quick access to main menu pages. Mazda Connected Services included remote engine starting, a find my car feature, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The CX-5's 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, standard in the Carbon Turbo, added to the SUV's premium interior experience.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety tech included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were noted to be overly sensitive. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.

Mazda equipped every version of the 2024 CX-5 with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 had previously received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it had not earned it in 2024. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.