2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed with a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from typical cars, featuring an abundance of charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body. While some found this excessive, the overall design was appealing, with short overhangs, a long hood, and a sleek roofline. The interior of the CX-30 was a standout, offering a level of style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender had a rugged appeal, with the Defender 110 four-door model being the most balanced in design. The Defender offered a wide range of customization options, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their preferences. The test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. The interior was industrial yet high-quality, with premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric. Despite its rugged exterior, the Defender's cabin was purposeful and not overly luxurious, providing a unique blend of functionality and style.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was a downside, with an observed 21.3 mpg compared to the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30 excelled in driving dynamics, offering a nimble and connected ride, though it felt slightly soft on winding roads.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, paired with a mild-hybrid system, produced 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD system, with a low-range setting, provided robust off-road capabilities. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road prowess. On-road, the Defender was smooth but not particularly agile, with a heavy curb weight and slow steering. The observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg, below the expected 19 mpg.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was marked by quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a highlight, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to use. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a touch of color. While the front seats were comfortable and heated, the rear seat space was cramped. Cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats that were heated and ventilated. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. Storage space was plentiful in the front, but less so for rear passengers. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, and the third-row seat was roomy and comfortable. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, with a high load floor. Cargo space was 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the screen was far from the driver, it offered touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring. Mazda's system relied on a combination of controls to reduce distraction, but lacked natural voice recognition. All CX-30s included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, with additional features like USB-C ports and a Bose premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. The system's response to voice commands was slower than desired, but accuracy was high. The user interface was more intuitive than previous versions, and the Meridian premium sound system was impressive. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a range of driver aids, such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The system operated smoothly, though the lane-keep assist occasionally misjudged lane departures. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, as low-volume models like the Defender are typically not tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.