2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 presented a distinctive appearance with its excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found overwhelming. Despite this, the crossover's overall design was appealing, featuring short overhangs, a long and low hood, and a rakish roofline. The interior of the CX-30 was a standout, offering a level of style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, with its black-on-black colour scheme, was less visually appealing, especially in a tropical climate. However, once inside, the colour became less of an issue. The Wrangler's design was rooted in its military vehicle heritage, offering a rugged and capable appearance. The interior was functional, with a focus on durability and utility rather than luxury. The cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort in various climates.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth and gradual, akin to catching and riding a wave. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was less impressive, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The CX-30 offered a fun and nimble driving experience, with excellent visibility and standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the latter producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable off-road. However, the ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected. The Wrangler's rollover resistance rating was a concern, but its off-road capabilities remained a strong selling point.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was deft, with quality materials and logical controls. The interior was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the driver and front passenger enjoyed comfort and ease of access. The cargo space was flexible, with 572 litres behind the back seat and 1,280 litres with the seats folded down. The CX-30's interior was well-appointed, with gloss black trim, metallic accents, and Terracotta leather seats adding a splash of colour.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was suitable for any climate. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with limited storage space and a focus on utility. The cargo area was accessible through a tailgate and rear window, offering 897 litres of space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display on GT and Suna trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda Connected Services provided a two-year subscription, and the GT and Suna trims included USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. The Wrangler's infotainment system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and the optional Safety Group package included rear parking sensors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CX-30 earned high safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment, a significant safety upgrade. However, advanced driver assistance systems were optional, and the Wrangler's crash test ratings were incomplete. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated the Wrangler's side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating.