2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, emphasizing clean and simple aesthetics. Despite limited flashy options like Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels, the test vehicle in Eiger Grey with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim added to the sophisticated ambiance. The Range Rover Sport featured premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, enhancing its sleek appearance. The interior boasted sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, offering a high-tech and luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a rugged design, distinct from its CX-5 sibling. It was lower, wider, and longer, with square wheel arches and fake air vents accentuating its broad-shouldered proportions. The Meridian Edition test car further emphasized its adventurous image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy colour palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its appeal. Inside, the CX-50 featured a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality, though it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations. The interior was practical, with minimal piano black trim, ensuring longevity.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.7 seconds. A plug-in hybrid version with 434 hp was available, and a 523-hp V8 was offered in the sold-out SV Edition One. The Range Rover Sport excelled off-road with advanced suspension and Terrain Response systems, boasting a 90 cm wading depth and impressive ground clearance. However, its on-road performance lagged behind sport-tuned rivals, with noticeable body roll and steering issues.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharged versions offering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. All models had a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with towing capacity up to 1,587 kilograms for turbo models. While the CX-50 was a competent daily driver, it lacked the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, and the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 remained well-mannered and suitable for everyday use.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension facilitated easy entry and exit, while the front seats provided comfort with 20-way adjustments and optional massage features. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouched posture. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres, with practical features like a power liftgate and adjustable air suspension for loading.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly more legroom but less headroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,595 litres, though it trailed competitors in overall capacity. The power liftgate improved access, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback. While it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating. The Meridian audio system and Active Noise Cancellation were highlights, but the digital assistant struggled with basic tasks.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial. While it lacked a touchscreen interface, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims adding wireless charging and a Bose audio system. The system felt dated but was straightforward for those who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included numerous safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less reliable, requiring driver intervention.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with optional enhancements like a 360-degree camera system.