2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. This additional length, along with a five-inch longer wheelbase, provided more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra mass, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L first as a 2021 model, followed by the two-row version almost a year later, contributed to this perception.

The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's iconic design elements, such as the seven-slot rectangular grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, enhancing the vehicle's elegance. New exterior paint colors for 2022 included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. Inside, the Grand Cherokee L featured luxurious materials like quilted Nappa leather and real wood, making it feel as upscale as a Mercedes, despite not sharing any parts with the German brand.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. Its stylish design and high-quality materials gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to redesign and rename the CX-5 as the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60. This strategy aimed to ease the transition for loyal customers.

The 2023 CX-5 exuded quality, refinement, and sophistication across all trim levels. Buyers could choose between a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. The lineup included eight versions, ranging from the 2.5 S at $26,700 to the 2.5 Turbo Signature at $39,650. The 2.5 Turbo Signature test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a Rhodium White metallic paint, bringing its MSRP to $41,655. Despite its high price, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature was considered worthy of its cost.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). While a 48-volt hybrid system was available on Ram pickup trucks, it was not offered for the Grand Cherokee. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which paired a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, provided emissions-free 4WD with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The V6 engine, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking in power for a vehicle of this size. The engine noise was noticeable, and the transmission's early upshifts did not help. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, was a better option, available only on the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims with 4WD. The V6 offered decent fuel economy at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. The 4xe plug-in hybrid's fuel economy estimates were not yet available.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension provided adjustable ride height settings, enhancing both comfort and off-road capability. The vehicle's driving modes, similar to Land Rover's, allowed for easy terrain adjustments. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The standard engine had an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine achieved 24 mpg combined.

Mazda's updates for the 2022 model year, including increased structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise, made the CX-5 feel more refined. The turbocharged engine provided a satisfying rush of acceleration, especially with premium fuel. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by these updates, offering a firm, connected ride quality. The vehicle's steering, brakes, and transmission were well-tuned, making it enjoyable to drive on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and straightforward graphics. The system included physical switches for climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions, which were easy to use. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat as an option. However, the air vents were found to be too small, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates for the 2022 model year, including improved front seats for better comfort and support. The CX-5 offered various upholstery options, including Nappa leather in the Signature trim. However, the vehicle's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were less impressive. The CX-5's infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system and had awkward physical controls. The cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, which was less than many mainstream rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features such as multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The system lacked a helpful voice recognition system and had awkward physical controls. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a free three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system. The test vehicle also had a front-facing camera that activated when parking sensors detected an object ahead.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense driver assistance technologies offered as standard. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, a rear low-speed automatic emergency braking system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.