2020 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin maintained a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, emphasizing utility over luxury. The various trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road king Rubicon, offered a range of features, from manual windows to heated seats and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a sleek and smooth design approach, looking almost aerodynamic even when stationary. The base Sport trim included features like automatic LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring added leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced lighting systems. The top-tier Signature trim featured premium materials like Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, making it feel more luxurious.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited came with a base 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine offered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride compared to car-based SUVs. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The base engine provided decent fuel economy, with 25 mpg city, 31 highway, and 28 combined for FWD models. The turbo engine, while more powerful, had slightly lower fuel efficiency. The CX-5's sporty driving style and firm suspension made it fun to drive, especially in Sport mode, but it lacked the off-road capabilities of the Wrangler.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its four-door configuration, offered more practicality than the standard two-door Wrangler. The removable doors, foldable windshield, and various roof options, including a retractable soft top and a three-piece hardtop, added to its versatility. However, its cargo space of 72 cubic feet with the rear seats folded was less than that of many less-capable SUVs.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. It featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter that took up more space than modern electronic shifters. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite this, the CX-5's interior materials and design were of high quality, especially in the top-tier Signature trim.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's base Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Rubicon and Sahara featured a 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Alpine premium audio system provided excellent sound quality, even at highway speeds.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less user-friendly, and the lack of tuning knobs made it cumbersome to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering a workaround for the infotainment system's shortcomings.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.