2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing reputation in crafting upscale SUVs. Its design was a statement of wealth and taste, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty profile reminiscent of the larger Range Rover, yet scaled down to a more dynamic form. The exterior boasted a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive Land Rover grille, all contributing to its unmistakable presence.

Inside, the Velar's cabin mirrored its exterior sophistication. Even in the base trim, the materials were of high quality, with a polished black centre stack and attractive seat patterns. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offered sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface. While upper trims featured more luxurious materials, the base model still provided a reminder of the Velar's premium status.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, presented a design inspired by the larger CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it resembled a raised hatchback, offering a sporty yet refined appearance. The raked windshield, while stylish, could cause distractions for taller drivers due to its curvature. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a well-designed instrument cluster blending conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, posed usability challenges, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In Canada, the CX-30 offered three trims: GX, GS, and GT, each with varying features. The GX included essentials like heated seats and AWD, while the GS added premium touches such as dual-zone climate control. The GT trim, which we tested, featured a turbocharged engine and advanced visibility options, enhancing its appeal. Despite some design quirks, the CX-30's interior was practical, with ample storage and comfortable seating for short to medium trips.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a unique driving experience for a Land Rover. Its lower centre of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. While not thrilling, it provided adequate acceleration. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but its street-focused design limited off-road capabilities.

The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, available in two power levels, enhanced performance with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The R-Dynamic model delivered 335 hp, while the HST offered 395 hp, making the Velar a compelling choice for luxury buyers seeking high performance. The mild-hybrid setup improved fuel efficiency by powering accessories with a separate battery, though it didn't enable electric-only driving.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower, while the GS and GT trims offered a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower. Our test model, equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 227 horsepower on regular fuel and 250 on premium. The six-speed automatic transmission and AWD provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response. The CX-30's steering was precise, and its suspension offered a sporty ride, though it could be rough on uneven roads.

The Velar's interior space was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, offering 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. A significant design flaw was the lack of a discrete parking brake control, replaced by a multifunction button that could be confusing in emergencies. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the redesign of critical controls was frustrating.

The Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded and 572 litres with seats in use. The GT trim's power liftgate was a convenient feature. The front seats offered ample storage, though the sliding centre console cover could be problematic. Rear seats provided adequate headroom for short trips, but longer journeys might be uncomfortable for taller passengers.

The Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. Voice activation, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation were notable additions. The 360-degree cameras and off-road mode enhanced functionality, though the adaptive cruise control's steering assist was less advanced than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, heated seats, and a Meridian sound system.

The CX-30's infotainment system, inspired by luxury brands, lacked touch functionality, relying on a rotary dial. This design choice made navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cumbersome. Despite its elegant dash design, the system's usability was a drawback. However, once familiar with the setup, users could manage presets and functions more efficiently.

The Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control added to its safety profile.

The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Available safety features included collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The head-up display and 360-degree camera enhanced safety, though the electronic parking brake's seatbelt requirement could be inconvenient.