2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. Trim levels ranged from Select to Premium Plus, with pricing between $39,575 and $59,480. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, had an MSRP of $51,450. Its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels gave it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, offering an upscale feel despite some materials reflecting its competitive price. However, ergonomic issues such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls were noted.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Honolulu, was a black-on-black hardtop with dark gray wheels. Despite the heat-sink color combination being less than ideal for a tropical climate, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its open-air driving experience. Jeep offered the Wrangler in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. The Sport S model had a few options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, bringing its MSRP to $49,175. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with gray fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Its design evoked themes of American freedom, rooted in its military vehicle heritage, and it was capable of tackling diverse terrains. However, it lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain was less refined than its design suggested. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but noise and impact harshness detracted from the experience. Despite these flaws, the CX-90 was a dynamic family hauler, with a taut suspension and engaging driving modes.

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. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. During testing in Hawaii, the 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 diverse terrains. However, its ride was rough, and the steering was slow and sloppy. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were impressive, but its on-road performance was less refined, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its premium materials, struggled with climate control efficiency. The three-zone system took time to cool the cabin, and front-seat ventilation was ineffective. The CX-90 featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating, but the long rear doors made loading children challenging. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Storage was limited, with a lack of practicality in the center console design. The CX-90 offered 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim featured comfortable cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers risked hitting their knees on 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. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a center console knob. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with blind-spot alerts.

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 screen 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 part of the optional Active Safety Group package.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was a standout in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though some features, like speed reduction, were irritating.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning 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. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.