2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The vehicle seamlessly blended traditional styling elements with modern enhancements, such as the seven-slot grille with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The two-row, five-passenger SUV offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, and the Overland trim we tested boasted luxurious touches like leather seats and wood accents. Despite its upscale feel, the interior had a noticeable amount of hard plastic, which raised concerns about durability over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 exuded a rugged yet sophisticated charm. Its design featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, complemented by rugged elements like fender swells and skid plates. The CX-50's interior was a blend of driver-focused design and quality materials, with black leather and caramel-coloured stitching adding a touch of elegance. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, though storage space was somewhat limited. Overall, the CX-50 presented a stylish and functional package for those seeking a compact crossover.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe stood out with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing even the company's 5.7-litre V8. The vehicle offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric range. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured two off-road 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, its towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187 hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered various driving modes, though the differences were subtle. The vehicle's ride quality was firm, and it handled well on curvy roads, though some torque steer was noted. The CX-50's ground clearance of 21.8 centimetres made it capable of light off-roading, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, available only as a two-row model, offered ample space for passengers and cargo. With the second row folded, cargo space expanded from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres. The vehicle's air suspension allowed for easy loading and unloading, and the heated steering wheel was a welcome feature for colder climates.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a spacious back seat. Cargo space was slightly less than the CX-5, with 889 litres behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with them folded. The CX-50's design included thoughtful touches like nearly 90-degree rear door openings and a long load floor, though storage options were limited.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its customization options and user-friendly interface. The vehicle included multiple screens, a wireless charging pad, and an optional McIntosh stereo system, though the latter was not available on all trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system lacked touchscreen functionality for its native interface, it allowed touch control for smartphone integration. The available Bose sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star safety rating, though the IIHS had not yet published results.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with some limitations due to headlight configurations and pedestrian collision avoidance. It included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in.