2019 Mazda CX-5 vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design overhaul to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The previous model's unique front-end design, with isolated daytime running lights and headlights resembling fog lights, was replaced with a more conventional headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear of the Cherokee also saw changes, with the license plate frame moved to the center of the rear hatch, creating a more modern look. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, offering a logical control layout and ample storage solutions. The Cherokee's trims ranged from the base Latitude, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment, to the luxury-oriented Overland trim, which boasted chrome accents and Nappa leather seating. The Trailhawk trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with its distinct styling and enhanced ground clearance.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its striking design and engaging driving dynamics. Addressing previous criticisms, Mazda introduced more powerful engine options for the top-tier trims, enhancing the vehicle's performance. The base Sport trim offered a host of features, including LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a comprehensive safety suite. As buyers moved up the trim levels, they enjoyed additional amenities such as leather upholstery, navigation, and advanced safety features. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims introduced a turbocharged engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving the CX-5's power output. The CX-5's interior was noted for its refinement, with the Signature trim offering luxury touches like ambient lighting and real wood trim.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. This engine was standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and FWD Limited trims. The 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, was standard on the 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims and optional on lower trims. A new addition for 2019 was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, available across the lineup except for the base Latitude. The Cherokee featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and various 4WD systems, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Cherokee's towing capacity reached up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine, and its fuel economy varied, with the turbo engine achieving up to 31 mpg on the highway.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 addressed its previous power limitations by introducing a turbocharged engine for the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. This engine produced up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing the CX-5's performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, delivered 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The CX-5's fuel economy was commendable, with the base engine achieving up to 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine offered slightly lower fuel efficiency but provided a more engaging driving experience. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus system improved handling, offering smoother cornering and enhanced steering feel.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior was designed with functionality in mind, featuring a logical control layout and ample storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a spacious center console. The Cherokee offered a hands-free power liftgate, although its cargo space was limited, with only 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures were below average for the compact crossover class, with competitors like the Honda CR-V offering significantly more cargo space.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 provided a well-designed interior with adequate passenger legroom in both the front and rear seats. However, some found the front seats a bit narrow. The CX-5's cargo capacity was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which, while not class-leading, was still sufficient for most needs. The higher trims offered luxury features such as ambient lighting, real wood trim, and a frameless rear-view mirror, elevating the CX-5's interior to a level of refinement typically found in more expensive vehicles.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came equipped with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen as standard on the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims, while higher trims featured an 8.3-inch version. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface, featuring crisp graphics and responsive controls. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration. The system's customizable screens and intuitive menu layout made it a standout in the segment.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous technology shortcomings by making Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard on all trims above the base Sport. The MazdaConnect infotainment system was visually appealing and responsive, though some users found the scroll-wheel interface less intuitive. The GT Premium package added advanced features like a head-up display, power-folding mirrors, and heated seats, enhancing the CX-5's tech offerings. However, the 360-degree camera's resolution was noted as an area for improvement.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and forward-collision avoidance. The Technology Group package, available on higher trims, included advanced driver-assistance features such as lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 came standard with the i-ActiveSense safety suite, which included automatic headlights, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The CX-5 received high safety ratings, with a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for the child safety anchors' ease of use. The top-tier Signature trim offered additional safety features like a 360-degree camera and parking sensors.