2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport featured premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, enhancing its sleek design. The interior boasted Windsor leather upholstery, adding to the sense of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a more artful design with its long hood, dramatic flanks, and stubby rear end, though it was somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. The 2.5 Turbo model's black wheels blended into the dark lower-body cladding, making them nearly invisible. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale and elegant cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents. The interior resembled an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing. The CX-30's design was appealing, but the exterior's ruggedness was more of a facade, as the interior focused on elegance and comfort.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The lower-priced SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It had an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The Range Rover Sport's new architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35 percent, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the sportiness of similarly priced SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and impressive ground clearance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided robust acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in heavy traffic, requiring a switch to Sport mode for better responsiveness. The CX-30's 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range, necessitating frequent refueling stops. The SUV's suspension offered compliance, making it enjoyable on twisty roads, but it felt soft. The CX-30 excelled in daily driving, with a quiet and refined highway experience. However, the brake pedal required more effort than expected, and the suspension struggled over speed bumps and humps.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, and narrow door openings posed challenges. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage options included a deep bin under the center armrest and a second bin under the sliding cupholder tray.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The rear seat offered limited legroom, but the front seatbacks were padded for comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The CX-30's cargo area provided 20.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, it lacked additional storage features like nooks or nets.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport featured impressive Meridian audio systems and an Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though it was challenging to access.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: it lacked a touchscreen display, conversational voice-recognition technology, and a tuning knob. The system required quick glances to operate, causing driver distraction. The 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard, offering pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was an optional accessory.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself using a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact crash protection and standard rear side airbags. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The CX-30's Turbo Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The driving assistance systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system was overly sensitive in some situations.