2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle yet impactful exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. These changes aimed to enhance visibility and modernize the vehicle's appearance. The top-tier Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's ambition to position itself as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating experience. The CX-5 offered a range of trims, with prices starting at $30,500 and reaching $43,650 for the Signature trim, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender boasted a rugged, boxy design reminiscent of classic Land Rover models, which contributed to its popularity over the Discovery. The Defender's design emphasized functionality, with features like a square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and a full-size wheel and tire mounted on the hatch. The vehicle offered various accessory packages, including options for off-road enhancements. The Defender's interior prioritized durability, with rubber and plastic coatings, exposed screws, and a metal dash spanning piece. Despite its utilitarian design, the Defender's build quality was excellent. However, the high price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, raised questions about its value compared to more opulent Range Rover models.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All models came with standard all-wheel drive, and fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine option delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with slightly lower figures on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, further enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while permanent four-wheel drive ensured traction. However, on-road performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's engine options included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The V8 offered exhilarating acceleration, but its fuel economy was poor at 16.4/12.7/14.7 L/100 km. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, with better fuel efficiency. The base four-cylinder engine, with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, was less suitable for highway driving.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a rarity among competitors. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, particularly the Mazda Connect infotainment system, was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat and the 130 accommodating up to eight passengers. The interior featured large glass areas for excellent visibility, and the 130 included a panoramic moonroof. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with the third row and second row folded. The Defender's versatility extended to off-road capabilities, with options for off-road or all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories like a console refrigerator and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition made the system less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. The optional navigation system required smartphone connectivity for voice assistance. The CX-5 offered a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system on higher trims, providing satisfactory audio quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered better legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. The Defender included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian sound system, fog lights, and cooled front seats. The X trim included air suspension, a locking rear differential, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 prioritized safety with its i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. However, it lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags. The Defender offered a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included automatic steering when reversing a trailer.