2025 Land Rover Defender vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, particularly in its 110 four-door configuration, struck a balance between rugged appeal and customizable options. While the Defender 90 appeared somewhat stubby and the 130 seemed visually heavy over its rear wheels, the 110 offered a harmonious design. Buyers had a plethora of customization choices, from base models starting at $58,525 to the high-end 130 V8 at $120,525, including destination charges. The Defender OCTA, exclusive to the 110, was priced at $153,625. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 X, came with the Extended Black Exterior Pack and a host of off-roading technologies, bringing its MSRP to $106,092. Despite its Gondwana Stone paint clashing with the orange brake calipers and delicate twin-spoke wheels, the Defender X's interior boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, maintaining an industrial yet quality-driven theme.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, were noted. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90's sophisticated design and upscale feel stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, paired with a mild-hybrid system, delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, one of four options, provided robust acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by an adaptive air suspension, Terrain Response 2 driving modes, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. However, the Defender's 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires limited its on-road agility, and its 5,685-pound curb weight affected handling on twisty roads. Fuel economy was lower than expected, with an observed 16.2 mpg compared to the 19 mpg combined rating.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, was less refined than expected. The AWD system, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an observed 21.3 mpg compared to the 25 mpg combined rating. Despite these issues, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring effective heating and ventilation. Visibility was excellent, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The Defender's cargo space was limited, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but a button in the cargo area allowed for air suspension adjustment to ease loading.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its black color, struggled to cool occupants quickly. The Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests. The third row was best suited for children, with limited cargo space of 14.9 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third row expanded cargo room to 74.2 cubic feet, which was small for the segment. Storage space was limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive than previous iterations, and the Meridian premium sound system was noteworthy. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and parking ease.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's technology was presented traditionally, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a center console knob for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle's 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, as low-volume models like the Defender typically aren't tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver aids generally met expectations, though the speed reduction feature in curves was irritating.