2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV category, borrowing design cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with a horizontal dashboard and high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking the right balance in terms of aesthetics. The Defender's base prices ranged from $58,525 to $153,625, depending on the model and options. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. The Defender's interior boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial theme that emphasized purpose over luxury. Despite its rugged exterior, the Defender's cabin was well-appointed, with illuminated door-sill treadplates and metal pedal covers, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not designed for serious off-road use, the CX-50's AWD system provided adequate traction. The hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offered a smart balance between the 187hp base engine and the 256hp Turbo models. Acceleration was comparable to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 7.5 to 8 seconds. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning allowed for engaging handling, though it resulted in a firmer ride quality.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD system, with a low-range setting, made it a formidable off-road vehicle. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes further enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less inspiring, with a heavy curb weight and slow steering detracting from its agility.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience, but it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to competitors. While the front seats provided ample room, the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, but rivals offered more options. The CX-50's cargo capacity was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which was below the class average. However, the space was usable, and features like a power liftgate and remote rear seatback releases added convenience.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 excelled in interior space and comfort. The test vehicle featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, providing excellent visibility and comfort. The Defender's panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. While storage space was plentiful in the front, the rear was less accommodating. The Defender 130's third-row seat was heated and spacious, offering comfort for adults. However, the side-hinged cargo door and high load floor posed challenges for loading. With all rear seats folded, the Defender 130 offered a maximum cargo volume of 89 cubic feet.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a center console-mounted dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While some users appreciated the dial controller, others found it outdated. All CX-50 models came standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The base audio system included eight speakers, while the Premium trim offered a 12-speaker Bose system.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessible via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. While previous iterations of Pivi Pro had been criticized for slow response and a convoluted interface, the 2025 version performed well, with accurate voice commands and an intuitive user experience. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system, head-up display, and ClearSight digital rearview mirror further enhanced the technology package.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned high marks in crash tests, receiving five stars from the NHTSA in all evaluations except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The non-hybrid 2024 model had previously received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist system was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at the time of writing, as low-volume models are typically not tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.