2025 Land Rover Defender vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5 Review

Picture of the 2025 Land Rover Defender

2025 Land Rover
Defender

MSRP*: $56,900 to $167,800
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-5

2025 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $28,770 to $40,800
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City Info not available 22 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy Info not available 27 - 30 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 - 8 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 44.6 - 76.1 ft3 58.1 ft3
Engine
  • 296-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 296-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 395-hp, 3.0-liter, Straight 6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 493-hp, 5.0-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 518-hp, 5.0-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 626-hp, 4.4-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain Four Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 296 - 626 hp 187 - 227 hp
Towing Capacity 7,716 - 8,201 lbs 2,000 lbs
Exterior Length 180.5 - 211.7 in 180.1 in
Exterior Width 79.1 in 72.6 in
Leg Room Front 39.1 in
Rear 36.6 - 38.4 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Head Room Front 40.6 in
Rear 40.4 in
Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Land Rover Defender offers rear passengers about the same room to stretch out as the Mazda CX-5, with comparable head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Land Rover Defender and the Mazda CX-5.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Land Rover Defender will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Mazda CX-5, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Land Rover Defender is much wider than the Mazda CX-5, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Land Rover Defender, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Mazda CX-5.

Handling
The Land Rover Defender has a significantly larger turning radius than the Mazda CX-5, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When considering towing capacity, the Land Rover Defender is clearly the choice over the Mazda CX-5 for pulling heavy loads. When it comes to horsepower, the Land Rover Defender greatly out-muscles the Mazda CX-5.

Powertrain
Due to its much higher torque, the Land Rover Defender does a much better job of transmitting its engine's horsepower to its wheels than the Mazda CX-5.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Land Rover Defender and the Mazda CX-5. The Land Rover Defender has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Mazda CX-5.