2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

Regarding external aesthetics, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 went through several noteworthy changes. The LED headlights and taillights were a fresh addition, providing a unique illumination attribute. While it was uncertain if this would solve the frequent issue of Mazda CX-5 owners driving without regular lights, it certainly added distinctive flair. The vehicle also featured new bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and fresh but rather uninspired alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-colored lower exterior trim that emphasized Mazda's aspirations to become a premium brand.

Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious touch without much alteration. The Signature trim continued to offer premium Nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and polished metallic accents that provided an upscale look. New seats in the 2022 model promised enhanced comfort, which was a point of discussion later.

Mazda simplified its trim levels into the CX-5 2.5 S and the CX-5 2.5 Turbo. The Turbo version came with a turbocharged engine, unlike its counterpart. They were further diversified into various trims and pricing, ranging from $25,900 to $33,950 for the 2.5 S and higher for the Turbo variants.

Our test vehicle was a 2.5 Turbo equipped with optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, and a roof rails and crossbars package, culminating in a grand total of $39,445 including the destination charge.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, with its fourth generation JL design, gave a rugged, take-no-prisoners impression. It was available in two-door and four-door Unlimited models, with detachable doors adding to its adventurous appeal. Its windshield could fold down, and various top options allowed for open-air expeditions. Standard on all models were wide fenders with the American flag, Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches.

The tailgate swung outwards while the rear glass lifted, ensuring easy access to the cargo area. The new purple paint color, Reign, added a unique sparkle, signifying it was the first time this hue was offered, setting the Wrangler apart visually. Another new color, Earl, a gray shade with an aquamarine hint, was also available.

Inside, the Wrangler featured a practical design with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats. Straight lines dominated the design without unnecessary frills, and the body-colored dash, chunky HVAC controls, and manual transfer case shifter provided an unpretentious, functional feel.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. These specifications were competitive for a base engine, and the six-speed automatic transmission was revised for more responsive performance. A significant update for 2022 included standard all-wheel drive across all CX-5 models, with the EPA rating the fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving.

The CX-5 2.5 Turbo boasted a turbocharged engine that delivered 256 hp with premium gas and 227 hp with regular gas, alongside 320 and 310 pound-feet of torque, respectively. Running primarily in Normal mode, it returned 21.1 mpg on a Southern California testing loop, despite the EPA claiming 24 mpg in combined driving.

Both turbo trims and the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus benefited from the new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. An upgrade in structural rigidity and reworked suspension enhanced the ride quality and handling, providing a quieter, smoother, and more sporty experience. Driving dynamics were notably improved, delivering a balance of compliance and composure that inspired trust in the driver.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was built for off-road performance with solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various engine options tailored to specific needs. The base models offered a V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 ponies and 295 pound-feet of torque, both mated to either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Torque enthusiasts could opt for the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 yielding 260 hp and a substantial 442 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 470 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 4xe variant was a plug-in hybrid with two electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery pack, offering 21 miles of all-electric range.

Our test vehicle, the Rubicon 392, was a powerhouse, executing burnouts effortlessly with its full-time four-wheel drive system and 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires. It accelerated from zero to sixty in 4.5 seconds and tackled dunes and rocks with the Off-Road Plus button optimizing throttle, shift points, and traction control.

The Wrangler's on-road performance, particularly with the 392 engine, left much to be desired with its unrefined brakes and vague steering. However, less powerful models had adequately matched brakes and more manageable steering.

Previously, the second-generation CX-5 was criticized for its harsh ride and uncomfortable front seats. However, the 2022 model addressed these issues with new seating that offered better support and a sportier driving position. All trims, except the base, provided a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The backseat remained cramped, but features like heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents aimed to enhance rear passenger comfort. The Mazda Connect infotainment system, although frustrating with its lack of touchscreen functionality, became easier to use over time.

Cargo space in the CX-5 was around 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This was generous compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but lacked competitiveness against mainstream compact crossovers.

The Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, though ventilated seats were absent, and the rear-seat space was tight, particularly in the four-door model. Storage for small items was limited due to a flat dash and small glove box and center consoles. The cargo space measured 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco but considerable for adventurers seeking versatile storage.

With multiple top options, including a hard top and a Sunrider half soft top, the Wrangler allowed diverse open-air experiences. The Sky One-Touch power soft top was the most convenient, retracting in 17 seconds and operable up to 60 mph, though it lacked the fully open feel due to a non-removable glass rear window.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch non-touch display. Lacking natural voice recognition, navigating the system required using center console and steering wheel controls. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging, E911 automatic emergency notification, and provided a three-year trial subscription for Mazda Connected Services.

From the 2.5 S Premium trim onwards, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed adequately. SiriusXM satellite radio was also available from this trim.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect system, but our tester featured an 8.4-inch display. Initially complex, Uconnect proved user-friendly with off-road pages providing detailed trail information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

Jeep refrained from excessive technological features but included necessities like a forward-facing camera for off-roading and auxiliary switches for custom additions. Over-the-air updates applied only to the Uconnect system.

Mazda prioritized safety in the 2022 CX-5 with a robust structural design and standard i-Activsense package, covering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 Signature also featured Traffic Jam Assist, enhancing driver assistance in high-traffic conditions.

The CX-5 earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, a testament to its comprehensive safety features and robust design.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler had minimal standard safety features, limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the Rubicon 392, otherwise part of an optional package. Lane-keeping assist was not available.

The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS showing both Good and Marginal scores across different crashworthiness categories, and a Poor ranking for some headlight trims. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash and three out of five for rollover but had not rated it for side crashes.