2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions through square wheel arches and faux air vents. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, offering a fresher design since its debut in 2023. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50's styling was consistent across the range, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, featuring all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior boasted a pleasing design with a BMW-like infotainment screen placement and impressive material quality, though it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, creating a visual link to other Land Rover models. The interior was more durable and adventure-ready, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with softer materials. Offered in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender catered to various needs with trims like S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. Our test vehicle, the Defender 110 S, featured the County visual package, adding vintage graphics and white wheels, enhancing its throwback appeal. The Defender's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with practical features like grip handles and rubberized floors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road, plus a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's towing capacity ranged from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. While it shared powertrains with the CX-5, the CX-50 offered a different driving experience, more aligned with its segment. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered otherwise.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Our P400 test model had a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 450 lb-ft, and 518 hp and 461 lb-ft, respectively. All engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender's towing capacity reached up to 7,716 pounds with the six- and eight-cylinder engines. The V8-powered Defender 110 Carpathian Edition accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system available on certain trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both rows. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, slightly trailing the CX-5. While the power liftgate improved cargo access, the area wasn't ideal for bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high for shorter users. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight, depending on the configuration. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, best for children, while the Defender 130 provided more space but still limited for adults. Cargo capacity differed by model, with the Defender 130 offering up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 provided 78.8 cubic feet in two-row configuration, while the Defender 90 offered up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured hard plastic surfaces, making it practical and easy to clean.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface, while unconventional, was easy to use once acclimated, though it lacked excitement for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, standard with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo. The straightforward setup blended refinement and utility, with home buttons aiding navigation through features like Apple CarPlay.

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. However, it scored lower in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but it received a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more, with optional rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with extensive standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive but could be deactivated. Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA had crash-tested the Defender, which is common for expensive vehicles.