2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish SUV that stood out with its sleek design, even when stationary. Unlike many competitors with aggressive, chiseled looks, the CX-5 offered a more refined aesthetic. The base model, CX-5 Sport, featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry, among other features. The top-tier Signature model boasted premium touches like Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and ambient lighting, making it a strong contender against luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, rugged look that had remained largely unchanged over the years. Key design elements included circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. The Wrangler offered various configurations, including soft tops, hardtops, and the Sky one-touch power top. The Rubicon 392 model featured a raised hood with "392" badging and a large hood scoop. Inside, the Wrangler was all about function, with drain plugs for easy cleaning and cargo nets for storage. The Rubicon 392 also had a power-retractable canvas panel, making it convenient for open-air driving.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most efficient model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine provided a more spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler had a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Rubicon 392 model featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler's various 4WD systems, including Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, made it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The Mazda CX-5's interior was designed for comfort and style, with good headroom in both rows but limited legroom for rear passengers. The SUV had two full LATCH connections for child seats and straightforward climate controls. However, the larger shifter and infotainment system controls could be inconvenient for shorter drivers. 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.

The Jeep Wrangler offered multiple top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, which could be opened or closed in 18 seconds. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with drain plugs for easy cleaning and cargo nets for storage. It provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the wheel-wells and roll-bars could make it challenging to fit larger items.

The Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was not user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the infotainment controls were not intuitive for shorter drivers.

The Jeep Wrangler Sport featured a basic 5-inch screen, with larger 7-inch and 8.4-inch Uconnect screens available on higher trims. These screens had crisp graphics and easy-to-read layouts. The Rubicon 392 also had a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for a clear view of the trail ahead.

The Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. 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.

The Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler did come with a backup camera and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.