2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though a new model, retained a familiar design that echoed Jeep's traditional styling cues. It was essentially a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a sporty and compact alternative. The vehicle was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $51,545 to $78,040, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's design was influenced by the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of interior options, from the basic yet quality Laredo trim to the luxurious Summit Reserve, which boasted premium leather seats, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of Mazda's signature seductiveness with a newfound ruggedness. Its design featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, complemented by rugged elements like fender swells and skid plates. The CX-50 was available in two versions: the GS-L and GT trims with a 187-horsepower engine, and the GT Turbo and Meridian Edition with a turbocharged engine producing up to 256 hp. Prices ranged from $38,250 to $48,200, excluding a $1,995 destination charge. The interior of the CX-50 was driver-focused, with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The cabin offered comfort with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The CX-50's design and features made it a stylish and capable compact crossover.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine delivering 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 had a towing capacity of 2,812 kg, while the V8 could tow up to 3,265 kg. The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim was particularly off-road-ready, with features like an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 11.3 L/100 km with the V6 to 14.1 L/100 km with the V8. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the adaptive damping Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine increased towing capacity from 907 kg to 1,587 kg. Fuel consumption for the base engine was 8.9 L/100 km combined, while the turbo engine averaged 10.1 L/100 km. The CX-50 featured Mazda's Mi-Drive system with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring natural vehicle behaviour in various conditions. The CX-50's driving character was likened to a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment, offering a firm ride quality and up to 21.8 cm of ground clearance. The CX-50 was capable of light off-roading, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable interior for both driver and passengers, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims offered additional features like ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the cabin felt airy with the available sunroof. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the two-row Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it ready for winter. The interior was comfortable, with adequate storage space and a long load floor in the cargo area. The CX-50 offered 889 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 1,595 litres with the seats folded. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, making entry and exit easier.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens for information and entertainment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa integration. The Grand Cherokee also featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was controlled via centre console buttons and knobs, though touchscreen control was available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-50 also offered a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system and an Active Driving Display, providing a wealth of data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was fortified with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. It featured standard blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-50's systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.