Last updated: 2026-10-10
Land Rover vs Mazda: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Land Rover
2 models tracked
Mazda
7 models tracked
Mazda comes out well ahead of Land Rover on reliability, with far fewer complaints per car sold and lower repair costs. Land Rover's Defender 110 is its bright spot, but the Range Rover Sport holds the brand back.
Is Land Rover More Reliable Than Mazda?
| Metric | Land Rover | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 58/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 2 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 100 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 472 | 480 |
Land Rover Models
2 models ranked by reliability
Land Rover vs Mazda: The Verdict
The gap is large, and it favors Mazda. It is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems. Owners file 1.6 complaints per 1,000 cars sold, against 4.2 for Land Rover. Land Rover also has more recalls, even though only two of its models are tracked.
The problems differ in kind. Mazda's cluster in the engine, led by cylinder head leaks on the 2018 CX-5. Land Rover's cluster in the electrical system, from frozen screens on the Range Rover Sport to DC/DC converter failures on the Defender 110. Mazda's one weak lineup spot is the early CX-90.
Where Land Rover and Mazda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Land Rover | Mazda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 50/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 40/100Mixed | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 64/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 82/100Excellent |
Mazda's advantage in repair costs (+32 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Land Rover vs Mazda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Land Rover
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (58/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Mazda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($500/year avg)
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Land Rover vs Mazda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Land Rover | Mazda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 5 models) | 60/100 | 70/100 | Mazda |
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 57/100 | 78/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Land Rover vs Mazda
| Component | Land Rover | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 8%70 | 27%760 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%244 | 16%440 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%100 | 12%333 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12%99 | 11%307 |
| STEERING | 8%66 | 5%150 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1%10 | 6%179 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 11%94 | 3%87 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%22 | 4%105 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%30 | 3%90 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 4%110 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Land Rover vs Mazda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Land Rover
33
Crash reports
17
Fire reports
42
Injury reports
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Land Rover and Mazda Model Ranked
Land Rover Models
Land Rover vs Mazda Reliability Trend by Year
Land Rover's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Mazda's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Land Rover | Mazda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 70/100(2) | 81/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2025 | 64/100(2) | 72/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2024 | 64/100(2) | 69/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 55/100(2) | 75/100(6) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 56/100(2) | 79/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2021 | 56/100(2) | 74/100(5) | Mazda |
| 2020 | 42/100(1) | 76/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2019 | 56/100(1) | 75/100(4) | Mazda |
| 2018 | 47/100(1) | 72/100(4) | Mazda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Land Rover vs Mazda?
If you want the lowest risk, shop Mazda. Target the CX-5, the strongest model across both lineups, and look for a 2022, which has few complaints and no recalls. The 3, 5, CX-9, CX-50, and CX-30 also rate good. Skip the 2018 CX-5 because of cracked cylinder heads, and inspect any CX-90 closely. The 2024 has steering binding and, on the plug-in hybrid, sudden power loss.
Lean toward Land Rover only if you specifically want the Defender 110 and can accept some electrical risk. Favor a 2024, which draws far fewer complaints than 2022 or 2023, and check for dash warnings and cracked windshields. Treat the Range Rover Sport with caution. Its 2024 year is the one to favor, while 2018 and 2020 draw the most serious complaints. Test the screen, climate controls, and backup camera before you buy. The 2025 and 2026 Defenders are too new to judge.
The Bottom Line: Land Rover or Mazda?
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if reliability and running costs matter most. It is the strongest model across both lineups, and Mazda repairs average about $500 a year, with independent repair-cost data rating the brand stronger than Land Rover on cost. Pick a Land Rover only for the Defender 110, ideally a 2024, and have its electrical system inspected first.
Land Rover vs Mazda: Common Questions
Is Land Rover more reliable than Mazda?
Which has more recalls, Land Rover or Mazda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Land Rover?
What is the most common problem with Land Rovers?
What is the best used Mazda to buy?
Comparing Land Rover vs Mazda? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Land Rover and Mazda models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.