2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the Canadian market, significantly outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery. Its appeal lay in its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which resonated with customers who preferred a traditional Land Rover aesthetic over the Discovery's more Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and a sharply cut tail, all contributing to its classic truck look. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch, added to its charm. The Defender offered a variety of accessory packages and was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-length 130, providing unmatched choice in the SUV market.

Inside, the Defender maintained a focus on function and durability, with an interior that was basic yet unique. Despite its high price, the interior was predominantly covered in moisture-wicking rubbers and plastics, with exposed screws and plain air vents. The steering wheel was reminiscent of an old Toyota, and the overall feel was more utilitarian than luxurious. However, the build quality was excellent, and the Defender's character remained intact, offering a refreshing contrast to the more opulent Range Rover models. While the price of the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition was considered excessive, its continued strong sales in Canada suggested that many buyers appreciated its unique appeal.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, which had aged gracefully and continued to look modern and appealing. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S. market, featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, adding a touch of exclusivity. Mazda made improvements to the fuel economy of the base engine models, eliminated a previous wheel design, and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims.

The CX-5 lineup included models with a base 187-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and Turbo models with a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In Canada, the trim levels ranged from GS to Signature, with prices from $35,476 to $48,276. The Suna trim, similar to the test unit, came with the Turbo engine as standard. The CX-5 offered an upscale feel at a mainstream price, with upgraded interior materials, seating, technology, and suspension, making it a compelling choice in the compact crossover segment.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. With air suspension raised, it could tackle almost any terrain, although most owners were unlikely to use its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable friction in the drivetrain, excessive body roll, and wind noise. The steering was slow, and braking felt uneasy due to long pedal travel. However, the Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided strong performance. The V8, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, offered thrilling acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. On regular gas, it still offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build. The CX-5's fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, although the base engine offered better efficiency. The CX-5 felt tall and narrow from the driver's seat, with excellent visibility and confidence-inspiring handling. Mazda's suspension tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology improved ride quality and handling, making the CX-5 enjoyable to drive on various terrains. It also offered a decent 20 centimetres of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 900 kilograms.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was exceptional as an everyday SUV, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row, and the 130 had a standard third row for up to eight seats. The Defender's large glass areas, including alpine lights, provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender also featured a range of practical options, such as off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and a console refrigerator.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with comfortable and supportive seating. The driver’s seat had six-way power adjustment, and leather was standard on most trims. The CX-5 was smaller in terms of interior room but comfortable for four adults. The rear seat provided good support, and passengers enjoyed rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest. The cabin's design and quality elevated the CX-5 above many mass-market rivals, with good storage space and a premium feel. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seat folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered better legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant and connected apps. The Defender came with heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob and buttons. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features. Several trims included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, enhancing the premium interior feel.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP but lacked ratings from U.S. agencies. It came with six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating.