Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. It featured a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches, maintaining an upright profile reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Distinguishing itself from the standard Wagoneer, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille with laser-etched knurling. The vehicle's interior mirrored the Wagoneer’s design but elevated the luxury with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim, offering a more refined experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, exuded a blend of subtle seductiveness and ruggedness. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, with a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels. The CX-50's exterior design elements, including blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes, combined with a standard black grille and available 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing look. Inside, the CX-50 featured a driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim, offering a modern and sophisticated atmosphere.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The vehicle featured a standard Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing traction. Additionally, the Quadra-Lift air suspension system provided adjustable height settings for various driving conditions, offering up to 25.4 cm of ground clearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the GT Turbo variant featured a turbocharged version generating up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The CX-50's turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kg. Mazda's Mi-Drive system offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring natural vehicle behaviour across different driving scenarios. The CX-50's ride quality was slightly firmer, aligning with its adventurous character, and it offered up to 21.8 cm of ground clearance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, though front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kg and came equipped with a standard sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it well-suited for winter conditions. The interior offered comfortable seating for long drives, with rear doors opening to nearly a 90-degree angle for easy access. The CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While storage space was adequate, the vehicle's design missed opportunities for additional storage bins.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured an Android-based operating system with over-the-air updates, though the screen response was occasionally slow.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 included a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda historically avoided touchscreen controls, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen interaction for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display projected essential data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and driver-attention monitoring.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead.