2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's vehicles over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged edge with its blistered and boxed fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with an oversized air intake and vent designs, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with available 20-inch alloy wheels, further enhanced its exterior allure. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, emphasizing its adventurous spirit.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with a mix of quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured accent stitching, round analog and digital gauges, and a smattering of controls. Vertical air vents flanked the instrument cluster, while a lone off-centre vent on the dashboard seemed somewhat out of place. Despite this, the overall interior design was attractive, offering a terracotta upholstery option on higher trims. The CX-50's interior and exterior design elements came together to create a visually appealing compact crossover.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic burly, body-on-frame look, appealing to off-road enthusiasts. While the Wrangler's design remained largely unchanged, keen observers noted larger all-terrain tires on the more capable models like the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims. A redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon, was a notable update. This grille was shorter and wider, allowing for improved airflow into the engine bay. The integration of the antenna into the windshield was a practical upgrade, preventing it from snagging on branches during off-roading. Additionally, the Wrangler offered 10 new wheel designs, enhancing its customization options.

The Wrangler's rugged design extended to its roof options, with choices ranging from a traditional soft-top to a full hard top, and even a power-retractable sunroof. The ability to fold down the windshield and remove the doors added to its adventurous appeal. For those seeking a balance between capability and comfort, the Wrangler offered full doors, half doors, or Mopar tube doors. The 2024 model year brought further enhancements, including a WARN winch as a factory-installed option on Rubicon models, adding to its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different performance preferences. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided commendable fuel efficiency, with consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power and increased towing capacity, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine. Depending on the fuel type, it produced between 227 hp and 256 hp, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbo engine offered smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with minimal turbo lag. Mazda's Mi-Drive system, with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensured natural vehicle behaviour in various driving conditions. The CX-50's ride quality was slightly firmer compared to the CX-5, aligning with its adventurous character. With up to 21.8 cm of ground clearance, the CX-50 was capable of handling off-road situations, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The lineup included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a powerful 6.4-litre V8 engine delivering 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases, each offering different levels of capability. The Command-Trac 4WD system was suitable for those seeking the Wrangler's iconic look, while the Selec-Trac system in the Wrangler 392 provided full-time 4WD. The Rubicon trim featured the Rock-Trac transfer case, available in part-time or full-time 4WD. Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual option for the 3.6-litre engine. The 4xe PHEV Wrangler stood out with its combination of a 2.0-litre turbo engine and electric motors, offering 35 km of all-electric range. The Wrangler's solid front and rear axles provided excellent articulation, while locking differentials enhanced traction in challenging terrain. The Willys trim level offered a balance of capability and affordability, featuring Offroad+ mode, 33-inch tires, and rock rails. However, the Wrangler's ride quality on pavement remained bumpy due to its solid front axle, though sound deadening materials improved cabin quietness.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for winter with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added comfort on warmer days. The driver and front passenger seats were comfortable for long journeys, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle, facilitating easy entry and exit. While storage space was adequate, Mazda missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The available smartphone charger was conveniently located under the centre armrest. The power rear liftgate revealed 889 litres of cargo space, slightly more than the CX-5. The CX-50's long load floor was narrow between the wheel wells, but side bins and hooks provided additional storage options. Maximum cargo space measured 1,595 litres, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50's lower roofline.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's big news was its upgraded towing capacity, now rated at 2,268 kg (5,000 pounds) for four-door Rubicon-trim models with specific engine and tire configurations. Other models remained at 1,587 kg (3,500 pounds). Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though ventilated seats were not available. New for 2024 were 12-way power adjustable front seats, designed to withstand water exposure when fording. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, running off the 17.3-kWh battery, capable of powering various accessories. The Wrangler's interior was designed for adventure, with practical features like removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The cabin offered a rugged yet functional environment, with ample space for passengers and gear.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. In Canada, a 10.25-inch display was standard. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on centre console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the screen's distant placement remained a challenge. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected essential data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect5. Navigation was optional, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The system's speed and user-friendly interface were notable improvements, especially when accessing Off-Road Pages. The Wrangler offered a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store up to five user profiles. The cabin featured multiple USB-A and -C ports, ensuring connectivity for all passengers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The NHTSA had not rated the CX-50 at the time of writing. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist available on higher trims. The surround-view camera and parking sensors were particularly useful. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, necessitating manual braking.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, enhancing safety. Forward collision warning was standard on all but the base model, while advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. The Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist and other highway assist features. The 2024 model had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2023 Wrangler received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the four-door Wrangler "Good" in roof strength and head restraints but "Moderate" in frontal and side crashes.