2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the aggressive styling trends of its competitors, opting instead for a sleek and smooth design that exuded a sense of motion even when stationary. While it didn't boast the boldness of some other models, it took Mazda's familiar design language in a more refined direction. The exterior features varied slightly across trim levels, with the base model offering practical elements like LED headlights and 17-inch wheels, while higher trims added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a traditional SUV appearance characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a black roof, unique hood, and grille design, featuring laser-etched knurling. It boasted a new body-on-frame architecture with independent suspension and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a more luxurious experience than the standard Wagoneer, with high-quality materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. The interior also featured unique design elements like seat controls on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both delivering commendable performance. The base model featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The GT trim offered a choice between the base engine and a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, standard on the Signature trim, provided a spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most economical version achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. The turbocharged models were slightly less efficient but still competitive within the segment.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, generating 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering multiple drive modes for various terrains. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, provided adjustable ride height for off-roading and improved aerodynamics on highways. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely driving style, as its size and weight made it less agile than some competitors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was designed to meet the needs of families with its comfortable and stylish interior. While headroom was adequate in both rows, rear legroom was somewhat limited, especially with taller front-seat occupants. The CX-5 offered two full LATCH connections for child seats, though they were not the easiest to use. The climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly, but the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up valuable space. Cargo capacity was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer provided ample space for passengers and cargo, seating seven with standard captain's chairs or eight with an optional bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, though front-row space was more limited. Cargo capacity was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. With all seats folded, the Grand Wagoneer offered 2,667 litres of cargo space. The vehicle also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing to tow heavy loads.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was not as modern or user-friendly as some competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the lack of intuitive controls for tuning and volume adjustment was a drawback. The screen's positioning made it difficult for drivers and passengers to reach, necessitating reliance on steering wheel controls for some functions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a more advanced infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Uconnect 5 system, based on Android, supported over-the-air updates and allowed for simultaneous Bluetooth pairing of two phones. Second-row passengers had their own touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added further screens. While the system was feature-rich, some users found the screen response slow and the graphics plain.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda offered a three-year/unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, as a newly launched model, had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.