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 changes that included being lower, wider, and longer. Its broad-shouldered proportions were accentuated by square wheel arches and faux air vents, giving it a fresh and robust appearance. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered a variety of wheel sizes and styling options, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, featuring all-terrain tires and distinctive trim. The interior boasted a pleasing design with high-quality materials, although it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered in a rental scenario, was a black-on-black hardtop with dark gray wheels, which proved less than ideal in a tropical climate. Despite its color, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its iconic design and capability to traverse diverse terrains. Offered in multiple trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392, the Wrangler catered to a range of preferences. The Sport S model, with its few options, emphasized function over form, featuring a rugged interior designed to withstand dirt and sand. Its appeal was rooted in its nostalgic design and American freedom themes, though it lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, featuring Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, with a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's towing capacity ranged from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model. While it shared powertrains with the CX-5, the CX-50 offered a different driving experience, focusing more on comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, making it less ideal for everyday driving.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel efficiency and performance at higher elevations. During a test drive in Hawaii, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width made it well-suited for off-road adventures, though its ride was rough, and handling was sloppy. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, but its off-road capabilities remained impressive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind most competitors. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, though more durable materials would have suited the Meridian Edition's rugged image.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery and heated front seats added comfort, but rear-seat legroom was limited, and storage space was scarce. The Wrangler's cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Accessing the cargo area was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design, but the square-shaped space was easy to load once open.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system's interface was dated but straightforward, appealing to those who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Sport S model had an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine system optional. Jeep Connect offered connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and off-road navigation. The touchscreen remained bright and usable even with the roof panels removed, and the Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display and other features.

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. The NHTSA provided partial ratings, with five stars for frontal crashes and four stars for rollovers. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with additional options available.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard, with optional ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Forward collision warning was available on higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.