What's the difference?
The current Range Rover Sport arrived in 2022, the third-generation version of what has been a super-successful model line for Land Rover, combining sleek looks with top-shelf luxury and a wide range of power and model grade options.
On test here is the P460e Dynamic HSE, a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid sitting in the thick of the upper-luxury five-seat SUV market.
We spent a week behind the wheel to see if it has what it takes to put its nose in front of an impressive bunch of European, more specifically, German rivals.
What does the Mazda CX-5 have in common with the VW Golf, Lotus Elise and Porsche Cayenne?
They all saved their respective carmakers from going under.
Keeping rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan on their toes since launching in 2012, the Japanese medium-sized SUV has wooed buyers with its styling, quality, driveability, ease and brand reputation ever since.
Now, after 14 years, five million-plus examples of essentially the same vehicle, a third-generation CX-5 has launched, and we have questions.
Like, what’s actually changed? Are the changes enough? How does it drive? And where’s the hybrid?
Keep reading for answers and more.
The Range Rover Sport P460e Dynamic HSE is a cool and classy premium five-seat SUV. It’s comfortable, refined, powerful and efficient with excellent safety and thoughtful practicality.
If you’re in the market for a luxurious SUV and your budget sits just under $200K this car should be on your shopping list but we’d recommend careful assessment of its value proposition across standard features and cost-of-ownership relative to its highly credentialled rivals.Â
In many important and mostly pleasing ways, the third-generation CX-5 takes a confident step forward.
Bigger in the places that matter, smoother yet just as fun to drive and arguably better looking, it remains a high-quality, affordable and safe mid-sized SUV. The second-from-bottom Evolve AWD seems to be the value sweet spot.
However, the switch to a largely buttonless touchscreen interface is disappointing, as are higher entry prices, fewer model grades and no drops in fuel consumption.
Ultimately, though, the latest CX-5 reveals only half the picture, with the next and increasingly more relevant piece, the long-awaited hybrid, still up to 18 months away.
Maybe that’s the innovation that Mazda’s golden goose deserves most.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.