2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's rebranding efforts. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650, offering a range of options for consumers.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic burly, body-on-frame look, with new features like a redesigned grille and integrated antenna for improved off-road performance. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including soft-top, hard-top, and power-retractable sunroof configurations. The ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield added to its rugged appeal. The Wrangler's design was consistent across models, with larger tires distinguishing the more capable trims like the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392. The Wrangler's interior was designed for adventure, with options for full or half doors and tube doors from Mopar.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and transmission responsiveness, enhancing its driving dynamics. The AWD system was standard, and the CX-5 achieved an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined for the base engine and 24 mpg for the turbo.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 hp, and a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 hp. The 4xe PHEV variant combined a 2.0-liter engine with electric motors, delivering 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, with 21 miles of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases, including the Rock-Trac system for the Rubicon trim. The 4xe Rubicon featured front and rear locking differentials and an Offroad+ mode for sand dune driving and rock crawling. The Wrangler's solid axles provided excellent articulation, while the BF Goodrich KO2 tires offered strong off-road grip.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support, with power adjustments available on higher trims. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including Nappa leather on the Signature trim. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, and rear-seat room were less impressive. The cargo area offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was smaller than many rivals.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds for specific models, thanks to a full-float solid rear axle. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats. The 4xe model included a 30-amp Power Box for powering accessories. The Wrangler's interior was designed for durability, with features like waterproof seat adjustments for fording water.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its awkward physical controls and lack of a voice recognition system. The system required memorization and focus, making it less user-friendly. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system on upper trims.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect5, offering a cleaner interface and faster performance. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with features like Off-Road Pages and Trails Offroad for off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler also offered a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store user profiles.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense driver assistance features and a five-star NHTSA rating. The CX-5's safety tech operated smoothly, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, the lack of a warning for driving without headlights was a concern.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler added side-curtain airbags for the first and second rows, with forward collision warning standard on most models. Advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. The Wrangler's 2023 safety ratings included four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, with moderate ratings from the IIHS.