2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a variety of aluminum wheel designs. The attention to balance, proportion, and detail was evident, making it a visually appealing choice. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured unique 20-inch wheels, a performance vented hood, and special leather seats, giving it a distinct look. However, the interior, while upscale in appearance with perforated leather and dark trim, was marred by hard plastic panels and some build quality issues, such as a squeaky door panel and a loose center console lid.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 exuded a sense of premium quality that was more than just a marketing claim. With captivating style and continual improvements, the CX-5 offered more standard equipment and a refined cabin with reduced noise and vibration. The Signature trim, priced at $38,680, featured Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the black cabin, reducing the contrast that often enhances a premium feel.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower. For those seeking more power, there were options like the 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, the 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, and the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The Limited X trim came with Quadra-Drive II, a full-time 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case, making it off-road ready. However, the added weight and driveline friction affected fuel economy, with real-world figures averaging 18.3 mpg. The Grand Cherokee excelled on pavement, offering robust acceleration and better-than-expected handling, though brake performance could falter under heavy use.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower, offered a smooth driving experience. The turbocharged version in the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, the CX-5 accelerated with authority, though the turbo engine was less efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving enjoyment, but excessive body motions detracted from the overall thrill. Nevertheless, the steering and brakes were responsive, making it a delight in typical driving situations.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as a midsize SUV, provided ample space for a family, with comfortable power-adjustable and heated front seats. However, rear passengers faced discomfort from hard plastic front-seatback panels. Storage space was limited, with a center console bin, cup holders, and small door-panel bins. Cargo space measured 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while more upscale, was less spacious than its competitors. The interior featured stylish gauges and metallic accents, with Touring trim adding dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Front seats were comfortable, but rear legroom was limited. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an upgraded Uconnect system available on higher trims. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system was effective, and the 9-speaker Alpine audio system provided good sound quality, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on Sport trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Touring trim. The Grand Touring trim added a Bose premium sound system, while Signature trim included navigation and a surround-view camera. However, the system's controls were not user-friendly, and voice recognition was unreliable.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver and a Poor rating for the front passenger from the IIHS. The rollover resistance rating was also unimpressive.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, making it one of the safest SUVs available.