2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium exceptionally well with the 2020 CX-5. The automaker's commitment to building better cars was evident in the captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement. This model year, the CX-5 featured more standard equipment, revised instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance. Modifications were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, and the turbocharged engine saw an increase in torque output. AWD versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle in Signature trim costing $38,680, including the destination charge.

The original Mazda CX-5 set the company on its current design path, and nearly a decade later, the “Kodo” styling themes still looked terrific. The CX-5 managed to appear appealing, distinctive, and upscale simultaneously, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, giving it a luxurious look and feel. However, the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the otherwise black cabin, reducing the contrast that often makes a vehicle seem premium.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more palatable since its debut. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were initially controversial, they looked better proportioned over time. The exterior's appeal varied significantly with the trim level. An entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked generic, while an 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding appeared much more refined. Jeep consistently maximized the utility of the roof, offering an optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface.

The Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a striking resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, at least from the front. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, avoiding any pretense of luxury or excessive technology. The Latitude trim was basic, featuring rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale, sporty appearance.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, generating 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. This engine also came with AWD. Despite a 3,825-pound curb weight, the turbocharged CX-5 accelerated with authority, though it was less efficient, averaging 24 mpg in combined driving compared to 26 mpg for the naturally aspirated engine with AWD.

The CX-5 Signature was engaging to drive, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology, which used the brakes to stabilize the SUV when cornering. However, the SUV's high center of gravity caused excessive body motions when driven aggressively, making it less thrilling than other Mazdas. Despite this, the steering and brakes were responsive, making the CX-5 enjoyable in typical driving situations. It was easy to lead the pack away from an intersection, navigate corners, and maneuver through traffic, though it didn't inspire taking the long way home.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options depending on the trim level. The Latitude and Latitude Plus came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V-6, available on higher trims, significantly improved output to 271 hp. The top-tier engine was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 270 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was optional on the new-for-2021 Latitude Lux trim and the Jeep Cherokee Limited. Despite these options, none of the engines provided outstanding acceleration, with the V6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively.

All Cherokee models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, which had proven to be a capable, fuel-saving transmission. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the Cherokee was also available in FWD, primarily to keep prices competitive for rental fleets. This made it essential to check the VIN to confirm the driveline when considering a purchase.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 aimed to compete with the smallest and cheapest luxury SUVs, despite its more cramped interior compared to mainstream compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's interior reflected style and good taste, with classy gauges and elegant metallic accents. Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and rear air conditioning vents. Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat, while Grand Touring Reserve added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and more.

The CX-5 Signature's front seats were comfortable, though rear passengers might find legroom lacking. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded. A power liftgate with a programmable height limit was standard on Grand Touring trim and higher.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee filled a space between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in terms of utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was less than the Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, and Kia Sportage. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric.

The Cherokee's interior layout was simple and businesslike, with satisfaction varying by trim level. The Latitude trim featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which aimed to convey an upscale impression similar to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. However, it could be frustrating and required a period of acclimation. The Sport trim included a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, HD Radio, text messaging support, integrated internet radio apps, and E911 emergency notification. The Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Grand Touring trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Signature trim included a navigation system, a surround-view camera system, and a SiriusXM data subscription.

Interacting with Mazda Connect could be challenging, with options to use the touchscreen (when the vehicle wasn't moving), center console controls, steering wheel controls, or voice-recognition technology. The voice-recognition technology was particularly unreliable. For 2021, Mazda planned to update the system, removing the touchscreen but offering a wider, more modern display.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with a 7-inch touchscreen on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and Latitude LUX trims, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the Limited and Trailhawk. Both screen sizes were well thought out and responsive. The Cherokee supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available.

The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with easy access to heated seat controls and climate settings. The consistency of the Uconnect system across Stellantis brands was a significant advantage for Cherokee buyers.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with all advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) standard on most models. The i-Activsense package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Standard LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers added to the safety features. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in nearly all individual testing parameters.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category and a G+ score for the ease of use of the LATCH child seat anchors. However, the Cherokee's headlights received "Acceptable" and "Marginal" ratings, depending on the trim level. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning with lane keep assist, full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go was only available on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.