2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a subtle evolution in its design, with new LED headlights and taillights that offered more distinctive illumination. The exterior updates included new bumpers, a revised grille, and a redesigned rear liftgate, while the top Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating. The CX-5 offered a range of trims with varying prices, from the more economical GX to the performance-oriented Sport Design and Signature trims, with the latter featuring a turbocharged engine for those seeking speed over fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic rugged design, characterized by its boxy shape and the ability to remove doors for an open-air experience. The Wrangler offered a variety of configurations, including two-door and four-door models, with options for half doors and a fold-down windshield. The design was simple and functional, with features like wide fenders, Jeep's seven-slot grille, and round headlights. The Wrangler's interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout. The new "Reign" purple paint added a unique flair to the Wrangler's appearance, while the "Earl" colour provided a subtle aquamarine touch. The Wrangler's design focused on functionality and off-road capability, appealing to those seeking adventure.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All models came standard with all-wheel drive, and the fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with a slightly higher fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered different driving modes, and the overall driving experience was sporty and composed, making the CX-5 a credible alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance, with solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler also featured a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 and the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-litre V8 engine producing 470 horsepower. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered an electric range of 35 kilometres. The Rubicon 392, with its full-time four-wheel drive and Off-Road Plus mode, provided exhilarating performance, but its brakes and steering were less refined. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were complemented by different transfer cases, with the Xtreme Recon package enhancing its crawl ratio. While the Wrangler's on-road performance had some drawbacks, its off-road prowess was unmatched.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated cushions and air vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was frustrating due to the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Storage space was limited, with a small centre armrest bin and adequate cargo space of 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available in higher trims. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler's removable tops provided various open-air options, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top offering convenience. The Wrangler excelled in providing charging points, with multiple USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, lacking touchscreen capability and natural voice recognition. The system required using centre console and steering wheel controls, which took time to acclimate to. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The optional Bose premium sound system provided decent audio quality, and SiriusXM satellite radio was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, while our tester had the larger 8.4-inch screen. The system was initially complex but intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler offered practical tech features, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, but lacked advanced tech like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, with options like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS showing a combination of Good and Marginal ratings, and the NHTSA giving it four stars for frontal crash and three stars for rollover.