2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The new Carbon Turbo trim featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Mazda also introduced improvements such as better fuel economy for the base engine, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 lineup offered a range of trims with two engine options: a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Prices ranged from $29,300 to $40,600, plus destination charges.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport emphasized a sportier SUV design within the Range Rover family, with a taller stance and athletic appearance. The lineup included SE, Dynamic SE, Autobiography, and SV Edition Two trims, with the Dynamic SE offering a Stealth appearance package. The SV Edition 2, the highest-performance model, featured carbon-fiber elements and a subtle exterior. Inside, the Range Rover Sport boasted a minimalist aesthetic with unique features like red leather upholstery and illuminated steering-wheel paddle shifters. Despite its sporty mission, the interior felt a bit cramped, but material quality met luxury segment standards.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, though it wasn't fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5 offered excellent visibility and a sophisticated driving experience, thanks to a re-tuned suspension, stiffened frame, and standard AWD. It handled well on various terrains, with a decent 7.9 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The base SE model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 hp, while the Dynamic SE offered a higher output and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Autobiography trim had a plug-in hybrid with 543 hp or a twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp. The SV Edition Two boasted 626 hp, making it the most powerful Range Rover model. It achieved 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and had a top speed of 180 mph. The Range Rover Sport excelled in both performance and off-roading, with features like sport-tuned air suspension, four-wheel steering, and Terrain Response system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered comfortable and supportive heated front seats, with leather standard on most trims. The interior was snug but comfortable for four adults, with good rear seat support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents. The cabin's design and quality elevated it above most mass-market rivals, though cargo space was limited to 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, positioned between the Velar and full-size Range Rover, offered ample room for five passengers. It featured 20-way power-adjustable front seats and reclining rear seats. Cargo space was 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 53 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Range Rover Sport had a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds for turbo-six and V8 models, with plug-in hybrids rated at 6,614 pounds.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated via a console knob, with Mazda Connected Services offering remote features and a 10-speaker Bose sound system in higher trims.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Pivi Pro system was responsive, with natural-language voice recognition. The SV Edition 2 included "Body and Soul Seats" with embedded transducers for a unique audio experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The IIHS and NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the current-generation model at the time of publication.