2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented itself as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market, challenging the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz with its sophisticated design and high-quality materials. Mazda had surpassed its Japanese counterparts, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, in terms of design and material quality, edging closer to the luxury arms of those competitors. The CX-90's exterior was a supersized version of the elegant design language seen in the smaller CX-30 and CX-5, featuring a big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels that ranged from 18 to 21 inches. The tasteful chrome trim added to its elegance, making it an imposing yet refined SUV. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that could rival luxury brands, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits, offering a premium feel without the exorbitant price tag.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, utilitarian charm, rooted in its World War II military vehicle heritage. The black-on-black-on-black Sport S hardtop model we encountered was not ideal for a tropical climate, but once behind the wheel with the windows down and roof panels removed, the colour became irrelevant. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with the Rubicon 392 discontinued in Canada after 2024. Despite its high sticker price, the Wrangler's interior was functional rather than luxurious, with grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Its design prioritized capability and off-road prowess over sophistication, appealing to those seeking adventure and versatility.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option, marking a significant shift from the outgoing CX-9. The CX-90 offered a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in its base form. However, the upgraded version found in the GT-P and Signature trims increased power to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Signature featured three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with noticeable differences in behaviour between Normal and Sport modes. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric driving range of 42 kilometres and a combined fuel efficiency of 4.2 Le/100 km.

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 pound-feet of torque, slightly less horsepower but more torque than the V6. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Our evaluation of the four-cylinder model yielded an average fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable of tackling various terrains. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and the disconnected steering feel could be disconcerting at higher speeds.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of trims and seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in the lower trims and six in the Turbo Signature trim. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 2,129 litres available. While the CX-90 improved upon the CX-9's cargo capacity, it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, providing a pleasant driving experience despite its slightly smaller size.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated features. While it could seat five, four passengers were more comfortable, with rear-seat legroom being adequate but not generous. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders due to the lack of other stash spaces. Accessing the cargo area required opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, which could be cumbersome in tight spaces. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the setup could be frustrating to use. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that adjusted settings based on facial recognition, and it came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls available for these systems.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed, and the Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges. The Wrangler also offered Jeep Connect connected services for off-road navigation and adventure guides.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's accolades.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment, a significant safety upgrade. However, most advanced driver assistance systems were optional, and crash tests were incomplete. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results from the IIHS.