2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to delivering a premium experience beyond mere claims. This model year saw enhancements in standard equipment, cabin aesthetics, and noise reduction, alongside a turbocharged engine with increased torque and a new off-road traction feature for AWD versions. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and upscale, with the Signature trim offering luxurious touches like Nappa leather and real wood. However, the interior's lack of contrast in the Caturra Brown leather slightly diminished its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless design, blending rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo to the high-performance Trackhawk, with the Summit trim offering a plush interior with premium materials. Despite its aging interior design, the Grand Cherokee's exterior styling remained a benchmark for SUVs. The Summit trim's Premium Plus Appearance Group enhanced its premium look, while the interior featured a luxurious Indigo and Ski Gray colour scheme, though some elements signalled a need for a redesign.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged version in the GT Turbo and Signature trims delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Despite its power, the CX-5's handling was less thrilling due to excessive body motions, though its steering and brakes provided an engaging drive. Fuel efficiency varied, with the turbo engine averaging 10.6 L/100 km on tests.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kg. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology improved efficiency, though it still averaged 12.9 L/100 km on tests. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it versatile for both city and trail driving.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior, while stylish and well-equipped, was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Signature trim added luxury with Nappa leather and genuine wood, but rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded. Features like a power liftgate and heated seats added convenience, though the air conditioning struggled in hot weather.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a supportive and luxurious interior with quilted leather and a heated steering wheel. Front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seat, though comfortable, had limited legroom. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. Cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seat and 1,934 litres with seats folded. Practical features included a power liftgate and storage bins around the spare tire, though interior storage was limited.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, a Bose sound system, and a surround-view camera. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, requiring acclimation and setup to reduce frustration. The voice-recognition technology was limited, often failing to interpret commands.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it provided essential features and advanced driving assistance systems, with a new Uconnect 5 system expected in the 2022 model.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard ADAS features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual tests.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, which worked well in practice.