2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was a testament to Mazda's evolution towards luxury, rivaling brands like Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. Its exterior design borrowed elegance from smaller models like the CX-30 and CX-5, but with a more imposing presence due to its larger size. The SUV's big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels, complemented by tasteful chrome trim, made it stand out. Inside, the top-tier models offered an interior that could compete with luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits. The CX-90 was available in 11 different trims, with the PHEV and Turbo S Premium Plus models offering a blend of performance and luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S was more utilitarian, with a rugged design that emphasized function over form. The black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for a tropical climate, but the Wrangler's appeal lay in its capability and nostalgic design. The interior was simple, with gray fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior was designed to withstand dirt and sand, focusing on practicality. The Wrangler's design drew on themes of American freedom, with its iconic seven-slot grille and Made in the U.S.A. label, making it a popular choice despite its lack of sophistication.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo S model delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience with its exceptional exhaust note. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90's handling was impressive, with a double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout that allowed for agile cornering. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 26 miles.

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 four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering marginally better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its ride was rough, and the steering was slow and sloppy, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Turbo S models featured a two-seat configuration in the third row, providing slightly more cargo space. Total cargo space measured 75.2 cubic feet in models with the two-seater third row. The CX-90's interior was comfortable, with plenty of storage options and a big panoramic sunroof, though it fell short on capacity compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and heated options available. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but storage space was limited, with small bins and flimsy nets. Cargo space was reasonable at 31.7 cubic feet, but accessing it was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design. Folding the back seat down increased cargo volume to 72.4 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distractions, the system's quirks often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software with facial recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, which employed touchscreen controls.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group option pack.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The CX-90 also featured lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. 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 added side curtain airbags as standard equipment, but most advanced driver assistance systems were optional. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available, but forward collision warning with automatic braking was limited to the Sahara trim. 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.