2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Land Rover Defender showcased a blend of classic and modern design elements. Its boxy profile and angular headlights connected it visually to other Land Rover models, while the interior leaned more towards durability and adventure-readiness, reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offering various trims. Our test drive of the Defender 110 S, featuring the County visual package, highlighted its vintage appeal with white wheels and retro graphics, while standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its elegant design, standing out with graceful curves rather than sharp angles. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, its styling remained impressive, often mistaken for an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior boasted high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout, bridging the gap between analog and digital trends. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, the physical buttons and knobs enhanced usability, making it a favorite for those who preferred traditional controls.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered multiple powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender also had two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, with the P525 variant producing 518 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system, making it a formidable choice for rugged terrains.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and a turbocharged version with 256 hp. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard. The turbo model accelerated to 60 mph in about 6 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience. The CX-5's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll and a firm ride quality that enhanced its sporty feel. Despite the firmer ride, the cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise effectively.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row, while the Defender 130 accommodated up to eight passengers. Cargo space was generous, with the Defender 130 providing up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 78.8 cubic feet in its two-row configuration, making it versatile for both passengers and cargo.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5, while stylish, fell short in practicality compared to some rivals. It offered adequate headroom and rear legroom, but competitors like the Honda CR-V provided more space. The CX-5's cargo capacity was 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Despite its smaller size, the cargo area was wide and flat, accommodating larger items. The interior featured moderately sized storage options, with midlevel trims adding conveniences like a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The straightforward setup emphasized utility, with home buttons for easy navigation. The Meridian stereo system and other tech features complemented the Defender's blend of refinement and practicality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, controlled via a center console dial. This setup allowed for easy operation while driving, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. The Premium Plus trim offered wireless phone integration and a charging pad. While the analog gauges felt dated, the head-up display in higher trims provided essential information without distraction. The audio system ranged from a basic four-speaker setup to a 10-speaker Bose system in the Signature model.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the lane-keeping assist was noted to be overly sensitive. As of the review, crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a "Good" rating from IIHS for the 2024 model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems operated smoothly, with no reported issues during testing.