2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who favored a classic Land Rover look over the Discovery's more Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and sharply cut tail, all of which contributed to its rugged, industrial aesthetic. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-color square separating the side glass, added to its charm. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of options for different needs. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior focused on function and durability, with rubber and plastic materials designed to resist moisture and stains, maintaining its hardcore character.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a more rugged alternative to the Mazda CX-5, with a design that was both fresh and robust. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with a stretched wheelbase that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. The CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, 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 of the CX-50 was pleasing, with a well-designed infotainment screen and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as evidenced by the standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models. Despite these shortcomings, the CX-50 offered a sensible layout and adequate storage space, making it a practical choice for buyers.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a formidable off-road vehicle, boasting incredible grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while the permanent four-wheel drive ensured stability. However, on-road performance was less impressive, 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 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The V8 provided thrilling acceleration, akin to a speedboat engine in a trawler, but at the cost of poor fuel economy. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, balancing performance and efficiency. The four-cylinder engine, with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft, was less appealing for highway driving.

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 offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The CX-50's driving experience was more aligned with its segment, lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 was a well-mannered daily driver, with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds on turbo models.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in versatility, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows for up to eight passengers. The 130 model featured a panoramic moonroof and ample cargo space, with 77 cubic feet available when the third and second rows were folded. The Defender's large glass areas, including alpine lights, provided excellent visibility. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various off-road accessories, enhancing its functionality for adventurous pursuits.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed some competitors in cargo space, it offered a power liftgate for easier access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and durable materials. However, the cargo area was not ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was challenging to access for shorter individuals.

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 navigation. The Defender's tech offerings included heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

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 offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The rotary controller provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without distraction. While the infotainment system felt dated, it was straightforward and suited buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It was equipped with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It received mixed ratings for headlights and pedestrian detection. The NHTSA had not published complete ratings for the 2024 model. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system were available.