2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, distinct from the existing five-passenger Grand Cherokee. This model was an extended-length version of the upcoming 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and increased cargo volume. Despite the potential confusion of its 2021 designation, the Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, especially with the arrival of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. The Grand Cherokee L's design, with its signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches, was unmistakably Jeep and looked impressive across all trim levels.

Jeep offered the Grand Cherokee L in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. Our test vehicle, a Summit trim with 4WD and several premium options, had a sticker price of $64,770. While some interior materials didn't quite match the high price tag, the Summit's quilted leather and real wood trim were appealing. The redesigned interior, loaded with technology, represented a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, at first glance, appeared similar to its predecessor, but it featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim also received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the front seats.

Mazda simplified its trim levels for 2022, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S, with a naturally aspirated engine, came in base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, while the 2.5 Turbo, with a turbocharged engine, was available in base and Signature trims. Prices ranged from $25,900 to $38,650, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo with optional features, totaled $39,445. The CX-5's interior remained stylish and comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds and an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg combined. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds but reducing fuel economy to 17 mpg combined.

Our test vehicle had the V6 engine and 4WD, providing brisk acceleration but becoming loud when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally well-behaved, though it sometimes resisted downshifts in Auto mode to improve fuel economy. Despite averaging just 17.8 mpg in testing, the Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and various off-road modes, including Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock, ensured it could handle challenging terrain. The Summit's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system, with an electronic locking differential and low-range transfer case, further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The EPA estimated fuel economy at 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged engine, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas), with an EPA estimate of 24 mpg combined. In testing, the 2.5 Turbo achieved 21.1 mpg.

Both 2.5 Turbo trims and higher 2.5 S trims featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The 2022 CX-5's increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension provided a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, with improved driving dynamics and reduced body roll. The CX-5's handling and ride quality instilled confidence, making it feel more like a Mazda sports car than a typical crossover SUV.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in Summit trim, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and four-zone automatic climate control. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third-row seats were surprisingly comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows offering a great view.

Cargo space in the Grand Cherokee L was competitive, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, front-seat storage was limited, with second-row passengers benefiting from a storage console.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new, more comfortable furnishings. The driving position was sportier, and all trims except the base included a height-adjustable front passenger seat. Our 2.5 Turbo test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for added comfort.

Storage space in the CX-5 was adequate, with a small center armrest bin, wireless smartphone charging, and door armrest trays. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available with 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreens. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, though it occasionally provided unexpected results. The optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered excellent sound quality, especially for bass enthusiasts.

Additional tech features included a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Instead, users had to rely on center console and steering wheel controls. While this approach required acclimation, it eventually became manageable. The system lacked natural voice recognition, making it less intuitive than competitors' systems. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services, with a generous three-year trial subscription.

Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed well. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard from this trim level.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. While effective, the steering assist felt artificial, and lane changes were more abrupt than expected. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, detected threats from either side at intersections and could apply brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, steering the vehicle into parking spaces.

Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review, but the new Grand Cherokee L was expected to improve upon the old model's performance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came standard with the i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The top Signature trim also featured Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-centering.

The CX-5's i-Activsense system generally operated in the background, with blind-spot warnings displayed in the head-up display. The 2022 CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a distinction few rivals could match.