Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs Mazda CX-30

A luxury SUV with seating for five people, the 2024 Velar is one of four SUVs to wear Range Rover lettering across the leading edge of its hood. It slots into the lineup between the smaller Evoque and more capable Sport. This model year, the Velar receives several updates. They include design and comfort enhancements and several improvements to the standard infotainment system.

Verdict: The changes to the 2024 Range Rover Velar result in an appealing, if flawed, alternative to the best-sellers in the segment, such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. If the Velar had more natural and less frustrating technology, it could raise its profile in the midsize luxury SUV segment considerably.

Introduced in 2020 and continually updated and upgraded since then, the CX-30 is Mazda’s smallest crossover SUV. This year, the 2024 CX-30 comes in new a new Suna trim level, adds USB-C charging ports, and is available with a larger infotainment screen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All CX-30s have standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and you can upgrade to a turbocharged engine for more power and performance.

Verdict: Sticking to its corporate traditions with the 2024 CX-30, Mazda delivers style, refinement, safety, and rewarding driving dynamics in the small crossover SUV segment. As expected, rear-seat room and cargo space are tight, but otherwise, the Mazda CX-30 is a delightful little SUV.