2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented itself as a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with significant design enhancements that set it apart. It was lower, wider, and longer than its sibling, with a stretched wheelbase that contributed to its broad-shouldered stance. The square wheel arches and faux air vents added to its robust appearance. The Meridian Edition, in particular, emphasized an active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy colour palette and Terracotta leather upholstery further enhanced its rugged appeal. Inside, the CX-50 impressed with its BMW-like infotainment screen placement and high-quality materials, although it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations with some features like the manually adjustable passenger seat.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, with its black-on-black colour scheme, was less about aesthetics and more about functionality. Despite the heat-absorbing colour combination, the Wrangler's design remained true to its roots, with a focus on off-road capability. The interior was utilitarian, with grey fabric dashboard trim and metallic accents. The Wrangler's design was rooted in its military heritage, offering a fundamentally appealing vehicle that could tackle almost any terrain. However, it lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles, focusing instead on its rugged, go-anywhere persona.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering up to 256 hp on 93-octane gasoline. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road. The turbo models also featured a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it provided a different driving experience, focusing more on comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, but the vehicle remained well-mannered overall.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel efficiency and performance at higher elevations. The Wrangler's four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width made it adept at off-road adventures. However, its ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were unmatched, with features like the Rock Trac transfer case and locking axles available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While it trailed competitors in cargo space, the power liftgate improved access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. Inside, the front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated features. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The cargo area offered 897 litres of space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, but accessing it required opening the tailgate and rear window.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims adding wireless phone charging and a Bose audio system. While the interface required adjustment, it was straightforward once acclimated. The system's simplicity made it appealing to those who preferred less tech-heavy vehicles.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display and features like passive entry and remote engine start. The Wrangler also offered Jeep Connect for off-road navigation and adventure guides.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with additional options available.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard, with optional ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.