2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

While some automakers were locked into the lane of deeply-creased hoods, angled taillights, and chiseled grilles, Mazda went in the opposite design direction. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth steed that looked slippery even when standing still. It wasn’t a hot shot, but it took the played-out Mazda sameness in a stylish direction. The base Sport trim had automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The higher-tier Touring trim added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, two rear USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, and auto-leveling LED headlights. These headlights were especially helpful when turning corners in neighborhoods and on winding rural roads at night. Buyers could elevate their Touring model with the Touring Preferred SV Package, which included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, leather seats, a power liftgate, power moonroof, and more.

The CX-5 Carbon Edition combined the Touring grade features with the Touring Preferred SV Package, plus a Polymetal Gray paint job, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels. Its interior boasted red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trim, along with red stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob.

The Grand Touring built on the Touring model, adding dual heated mirrors, leatherette-trimmed upholstery, 19-inch brilliant silver aluminum alloy wheels, LED taillights, fog lights, and daytime running lights.

Mazda’s top-tier models, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, upped the luxury with ventilated seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, automatic folding door mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer. The Signature, in particular, rivaled premium offerings from Buick, Infiniti, and Acura, featuring Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, ambient lighting, and 19-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee remained true to its roots but with a modern twist. The new Grand Cherokee was essentially a two-row version of the previous year’s extended-length Grand Cherokee L. The 2022 Grand Cherokee featured a traditional yet updated design, borrowing from the classic 1963 Wagoneer with its seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and forward-leaning grille and headlights. Jeep provided a range of trims: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, each with its identity.

Regardless of the trim, the Grand Cherokee impressed on the road. The base Laredo with cloth seats gave a sense of quality, while the Summit Reserve offered premium quilted and stitched leather, front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, a high-end McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The Trailhawk trim emphasized off-road prowess with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/60 Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, high-strength skid plates, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension delivering up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-5 Touring could also opt for a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 320 pound-feet of torque, available only with all-wheel drive (AWD).

A front-wheel-drive (FWD) CX-5 with the non-turbo engine was the most fuel-efficient, earning 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. AWD models saw a slight reduction in fuel efficiency. The turbocharged models were similarly efficient, achieving up to 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims only came with the turbo-four and AWD. This engine delivered satisfying power, especially in Sport mode, though the seats lacked sufficient bolstering for spirited driving. However, the stiff suspension didn't smooth out rough terrain as well as competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with RWD or 4WD and two engine options—a standard 3.6-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter V8 producing 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid powertrain was hinted at for later in the model year.

Fuel economy for the Grand Cherokee ranged from 17 mpg combined with the V8 and 4WD to 21 mpg with the V6 and any drivetrain. The Trailhawk model, optimized for off-roading, featured the Quadra-Drive II system, supplying up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability.

With three different 4WD systems—Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II—the Grand Cherokee offered models for various needs. While the Trailhawk excelled off-road, the Summit and Summit Reserve focused on luxury and comfort. The 8-speed automatic transmission was shared across trims.

Despite these differences, the Grand Cherokee’s lighter and more agile two-row option felt nimble and athletic compared to the larger Grand Cherokee L. The base V6 was a sensible choice, providing adequate power and efficiency, while the V8 added a thrilling soundtrack but was less fuel-efficient.

The Mazda CX-5 provided a balanced design meeting the comfort and style expectations of most families. It offered good headroom in both rows, though rear legroom was somewhat cramped, particularly for taller passengers. The two full LATCH connections and tether connectors were functional but not the easiest to use.

The CX-5's cargo capacity was below average for its segment, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. Comparatively, a power liftgate was optional, though competitors like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Honda CR-V offered significantly more cargo space.

Jeep’s design enhancements for the 2022 Grand Cherokee aimed at improving visibility and comfort. The front seats, especially in higher trims, featured heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The base Laredo, though basic, maintained a sense of quality. Rear legroom was tight, and the plastic seatback trim added an element of discomfort for longer-legged adults. The Grand Cherokee L offered 1.2 inches more second-row legroom with its sliding seats.

In terms of cargo space, the two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats down, which was more accommodating than the CX-5 but less than the Grand Cherokee L.

Every 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, but its operating system fell short despite the screen’s size. The design seemed outdated, and interactions were cumbersome due to the knob-based interface. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the infotainment system overall lacked modern user-friendly features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, was a tech powerhouse. It featured a comprehensive head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered significant improvements, including faster responsiveness, over-the-air updates, configurable home displays, and voice recognition.

Jeep included an 8.4-inch touchscreen in most trims, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available as an upgrade, standard in Summit and Summit Reserve trims. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM 360L, voice recognition, and the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. An optional 10.25-inch passenger-facing display provided additional entertainment options.

Mazda fortified the 2021 CX-5 with a robust suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and more. Additional optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, backed by a standard three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Jeep’s 2022 Grand Cherokee also came with a comprehensive package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), constructed from high-strength steel and aluminum for better crash protection. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assistance, and Active Driving Assist, among others. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was slated for future availability, enhancing the Grand Cherokee’s safety credentials.