2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a range of models, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid, each with multiple trim levels. The top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured new white leather seats and a retractable cargo cover, bringing its price to $44,920. The CX-50 had a wide and squat appearance, resembling a lifted wagon more than an SUV, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Its sporty styling, flared fenders, and appealing paint colors, including the new Cypress green, added to its visual appeal. The interior boasted a white leather option with 20-inch silver wheels, providing a sharp contrast against the black dashboard and center console. However, the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches, and the center air vent was poorly integrated.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, four years into its lifecycle, received a refresh with a new illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The Upland trim added front recovery hooks for increased utility. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer featured a modern design with strong horizontal lines and a 12-inch infotainment screen. The seats, though plain in appearance, were comfortable and highly adjustable, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's premium materials, including Nappa and Palermo leather, added to its upscale feel. The Grand Wagoneer's fit and finish were impressive, with solid-feeling components and a well-constructed interior.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 came with a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid forms. The base 2.5 S produced 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. It had a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged version offered 227 hp with regular gas and 256 hp with premium fuel, along with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, its real-world fuel economy was lower than expected. The CX-50 Hybrid, with a total output of 219 hp, provided better fuel efficiency at 38 mpg combined but had limited mid-range passing power. The CX-50's steering was crisp, and its suspension offered firm body control, though it could be stiff over speed bumps.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even in a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, offering an estimated 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin. The seats were comfortable for long journeys, and the vehicle absorbed bumps well.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered easier entry and exit compared to a sedan but sat lower than many crossovers. Visibility was adequate, aided by large side mirrors. The front seats were firm, with power-adjustable features, heating, and ventilation. Dual-zone climate control was standard, but the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with good thigh support and comfort. Storage space was decent, though some opportunities for improvement were missed. The cargo area provided 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows offering ample leg and hip room. The third row could comfortably accommodate three passengers of small to average stature. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version increased it to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. It featured three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and power-operated driver and front passenger seats. The Upland trim included Quadra-Lift air suspension and off-road features.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured clear gauge displays and a 7-inch screen for data panels. The 10.25-inch infotainment screen offered sophisticated graphics and logical menus, with touchscreen functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system required acclimation, operated via a control knob and buttons. Alexa built-in and a Mazda Connect voice assistant were available, though the latter had limitations. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but its placement was inconvenient. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and a head-up display.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a wireless phone charger. It also featured a hands-free power liftgate, three-zone automatic climate controls, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered a front console cooler, digital rearview mirror, a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system, and four-zone climate controls. The wireless phone charger had issues with overheating, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with the i-Activesense suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and more. Preferred models added parking sensors, while Premium models included traffic-sign recognition and speed-limit assist. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a surround-view camera system and advanced safety features. The CX-50 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though it had a Poor rating in a new whiplash prevention test.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Available features included automated parking assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores in crash tests. The surround-view camera system was highly recommended for navigating tight spaces.