2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which stood out in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and understated styling gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of an entry-level luxury SUV. Despite not having undergone a redesign since 2017, the CX-5's design remained timeless and appealing. Inside, the CX-5 offered a refined interior with high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional controls with modern usability. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs provided a user-friendly experience, making it easy to adjust settings without distraction.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S was a rugged and functional vehicle, designed with off-road capability in mind. Its design was rooted in its military heritage, offering a distinctive and iconic look. The interior was practical, with durable materials that could withstand dirt and mud. The Wrangler's design prioritized function over form, with features like removable roof panels and a high ground clearance. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Wrangler remained popular for its adventurous spirit and ability to tackle challenging terrains.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version delivering 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine provided adequate power, accelerating to 96 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model was quicker, reaching the same speed two seconds faster. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics and firm suspension made it enjoyable on winding roads, though the ride was slightly firmer than some competitors.

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 turbocharged engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering a lively performance, especially at higher elevations. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and off-road capabilities made it a versatile vehicle for adventurous drivers. However, its ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected, which could be disconcerting on narrow roads.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was praised for its design and refinement, though it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. It offered adequate headroom and rear legroom, but competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage provided more space for passengers. The CX-5's cargo capacity was 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded. While the cargo area was wide and flat, it was smaller than some competitors. The CX-5 featured a user-friendly infotainment system controlled by a dial, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's interior was functional but challenging to access due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. The front seats were comfortable, and the Sport S trim offered cloth upholstery suitable for various climates. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. The Wrangler's cargo space was reasonable, with 897 litres available in the four-door model, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. However, accessing the cargo area was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash, controlled via a dial on the centre console. The system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy operation while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless functionality in higher trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt slightly outdated, but a head-up display was standard in higher trims. The base trim included a four-speaker audio system, while the top Signature model offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Wrangler offered a variety of optional features, including a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system, navigation, and Jeep Connect services for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group package added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, providing access to various information.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, earning five stars in most NHTSA crash tests and performing well in IIHS evaluations. It came standard with advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera. During testing, the CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment, a significant safety upgrade. However, advanced driver assistance systems were mostly optional, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available in higher trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated its side-impact protection as Good, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a Marginal rating due to the vehicle tipping onto its side.