2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which gave it a traditional look with a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. It distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, featuring laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a new body-on-frame architecture, allowing for independent suspension and weight-saving aluminum components. Inside, it shared design elements with the Wagoneer but offered more luxurious materials and features, such as 24-way power front seats with massage and memory functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained its sleek design with new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The top Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The seats were redesigned for improved comfort, and the driving position was sportier. Despite its compact size, the CX-5 offered a snug back seat with heated cushions and air conditioning vents, while the control layout required some acclimation due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. It featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a choice between a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 horsepower on premium gas. All models came with standard all-wheel drive and a revised six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, contributing to the CX-5's sporty and composed handling.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, though front-row space was more limited. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms and came with a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 improved its interior with new seats offering better support and a sportier driving position. The back seat remained snug, but heated cushions and air conditioning vents enhanced passenger comfort. The control layout was challenging due to the non-touchscreen infotainment system, but storage space was adequate, with wireless smartphone charging and door bins. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the back seat folded, competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It offered a second screen for seat massagers and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided over-the-air updates, though the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, lacking touchscreen capability and natural voice recognition. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The GT and higher trims offered a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed adequately, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included intersection collision assist and driver-attention monitoring. Active Lane Management System was available, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive i-Activsense package with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals matched.