2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending by 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 cm, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as an all-new 2021 model, set a high standard for the two-row version that followed. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was stylish and constructed with high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to redesign and rename the CX-5 as the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37. The CX-5 exuded quality and sophistication across all trim levels, offering a choice between a standard 187-horsepower engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo Signature, featured premium Nappa leather and a high price tag, but it was deemed worthy of its cost.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Grand Cherokee L came standard with four-wheel drive, offering three different systems, while rear-wheel drive was not available. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, provided a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Overland trim's Off-Road Group option package, which included all-terrain tires and skid plates.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available in higher trims, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The turbo engine's performance was enhanced by structural and suspension improvements, making the CX-5 feel more refined and responsive. Fuel efficiency for the turbo model was rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined, though real-world testing showed 11.0 L/100 km. The CX-5 excelled on paved roads, offering a firm, connected ride with minimal body roll and responsive handling. The turbocharged engine provided a satisfying driving experience, with ample torque and smooth acceleration.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek design. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and a 60/40 split bench optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were improved for comfort and support, with power adjustments and heated options available in higher trims. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, cramped rear seats, and a cargo capacity of 871 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, relying on physical controls that were awkward to use. The system's user experience was criticized for being distracting and unintuitive.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had simpler sound systems.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting to use. Despite these issues, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in higher trims. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering a range of driver assistance features. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, a warning message for nighttime driving without headlights was needed, as the running lights were too bright and interior illumination worked without the headlights on.