2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover

Few automotive nameplates carry the star power of the Land Rover Range Rover. Arguably the first luxury SUV, it blazed a trail for high-end utility vehicles like the Lexus LX and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, and it now counts more suburb-oriented models like the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class among its competition. Changes for 2025 are limited to some reshuffling of options.

Verdict: The Range Rover excels in refinement, while offering competitive interior space and towing capacity. But its user interface remains a weak point.

This compact crossover SUV comes with gas, turbocharged gas, or hybrid powertrains, each paired with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and each with Mazda's trademark spirited handling. The CX-50 slots into Mazda’s lineup between the CX-30 and the redesigned CX-5, and sees only minor changes for the 2026 model year.

Verdict: Smaller inside than many rivals, the Mazda CX-50 trades outright utility for style, sophistication, and substance. It's safe and fun to drive, but has a stiff ride, firm seats, a thirsty turbo engine, and dissatisfying tech.