2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The U.S. version of the new-for-2024 Suna trim featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, adding a touch of luxury. Mazda enhanced the CX-5 by improving fuel economy for the base engine, removing a previous wheel design, and adding wireless charging and connectivity options. The lineup included a base 187-horsepower engine and a 256-horsepower Turbo model, both with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. In Canada, the CX-5 was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $35,476 to $48,276, offering an upscale experience at a mainstream price.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, in contrast, presented a rugged and utilitarian design, rooted in its military heritage. The black-on-black-on-black colour scheme of the rental model was less than ideal for a tropical climate, but the Wrangler's appeal lay in its capability to tackle diverse terrains. In Canada, the Wrangler was offered in several trims, with prices ranging from $42,995 to $80,085. The Sport S model featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a black hardtop, and a Convenience Group package, bringing the MSRP to $66,070. Despite its high price, the Wrangler's interior was functional, with a focus on durability and off-road capability rather than luxury.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 horsepower on premium gas and 227 horsepower on regular gas, with torque figures of 320 lb-ft and 310 lb-ft, respectively. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, and the CX-5's fuel economy was rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined, though observed at 10.3 L/100 km. The base engine offered better efficiency at 9.3 L/100 km combined. The CX-5's driving experience was characterized by excellent visibility, responsive handling, and a smooth ride, thanks to suspension retuning and standard AWD. It was quiet on highways and lively in city driving, with a ground clearance of 20 cm and a towing capacity of 900 kg.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering better fuel efficiency at 11.0 L/100 km combined. The Wrangler's four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width made it adept at off-road adventures, though its ride was rough, and handling was sloppy. The Wrangler's fuel economy during evaluation was 12.3 L/100 km, and it had a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. Despite its ruggedness, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined than the CX-5.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable interior with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The seats were supportive, with power adjustment for the driver and manual height adjustment for passengers. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. The CX-5's interior was snug but comfortable for four adults, with rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest enhancing passenger comfort. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim featured comfortable cloth upholstery, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available in the Convenience Group package. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The Wrangler's 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.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob, with quick access buttons for essential functions. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system was standard in the Suna trim.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport S trim came with an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine system optional. The Convenience Group package added a 7-inch digital display and remote engine starting. Jeep Connect provided off-road navigation capabilities and a vehicle finder feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard, with optional ADAS like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Forward collision warning was available only on higher trims. The Wrangler had a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results from the IIHS.