2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, with its black-on-black colour scheme, was less about aesthetics and more about rugged functionality. Despite the heat-absorbing colour combination, the Wrangler's design was rooted in its military heritage, offering a timeless appeal. The interior was utilitarian, with a focus on durability over luxury. The grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system were the few upscale elements. The Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability, making it a popular choice despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern vehicles.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This setup, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offered all-wheel drive but wasn't intended for serious off-road use. The hybrid filled the gap between the base 187 hp engine and the 256 hp Turbo models. Acceleration was comparable to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an expected 0-100 km/h time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning provided engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride.

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 and livelier performance at higher elevations. 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 off-road. However, its rough ride and disconnected steering feel were notable drawbacks.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to competitors. While front seat space was ample, rear seat headroom and legroom were less generous than rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo capacity was limited to 826 litres, significantly less than the class average. Despite these limitations, the CX-50 featured a standard power liftgate and convenient storage solutions.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. Once 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 the front seatback hooks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and flimsy door nets. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. However, the four-door model offered a generous 897-litre cargo hold, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a centre console dial, offering a less distracting experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available on hybrid models. The base audio system included eight speakers, while the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose system.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system remained bright and usable even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were available in the Safety Group package, enhancing reversing safety.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard driver assistance features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced standard side curtain airbags for front and rear seats. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with forward collision warning available on higher trims. 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.