2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders maintained the classic Jeep look, while new colour options like the limited-edition "Reign" purple and "Earl" grey added a modern twist. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward design, though it lacked the luxury features found in more upscale SUVs.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 exuded a sense of refinement and sophistication, resembling a small luxury SUV more than a typical mass-market crossover. Despite its compact size, the CX-5 was crafted with high-quality materials and offered a stylish interior, especially in the top-tier Signature trim with Nappa leather upholstery. While the CX-5's back seat and cargo space were somewhat limited, its overall design and build quality made it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium feel without the premium price tag.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was built for off-road adventures, offering a range of engine options to suit different needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler also offered a plug-in hybrid option, the 4xe, with a 17.3-kWh battery pack providing 35 km of all-electric range. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was hindered by vague steering and inadequate brakes, particularly in the 392 model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a more balanced performance, with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, providing a spirited driving experience. The CX-5's updates in structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and transmission responsiveness enhanced its driving dynamics, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. While the turbo engine's fuel economy was slightly higher than expected, the CX-5 excelled on paved roads, offering a firm and connected ride with precise steering and responsive brakes.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior was designed for practicality, with comfortable front seats and limited rear-seat space, especially in the two-door models. Storage options were minimal, with small glove boxes and centre consoles, though the Wrangler did offer a variety of open-air configurations with removable tops and doors. Cargo space was limited to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, and accessing the rear cargo area could be cumbersome with the soft top in place. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, including USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 focused on comfort and quality, with improved front seats and a range of available features such as heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. While the CX-5's interior materials were top-notch, its technology and storage space were lacking. The rear seat and cargo area were cramped compared to competitors, offering 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the seats folded. Despite these limitations, the CX-5's interior exuded a sense of luxury and refinement.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a Uconnect infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to an 8.4-inch display. While initially complex, the system was intuitive once familiar, offering off-road pages with detailed vehicle information. Connectivity options included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler's tech offerings were practical, with a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with its 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but functionally frustrating. The lack of a voice recognition system and the awkward physical controls made it challenging to use while driving. Despite these drawbacks, the system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a Bose premium audio system and a helpful surround-view camera system, though the overall user experience was less intuitive than competitors.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with standard components including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were only standard on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS giving it a combination of Good and Marginal scores, while the NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist available on higher trims. The CX-5 received top safety ratings, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.