2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

When shopping for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Depending on this choice, they could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions offering different top options and features. The price range varied from about $30,000 to $80,000, excluding the destination charge.

Our test vehicle was the new High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim. It featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The Xtreme Recon package set it apart with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. Additional features included a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, an automatic transmission, Selec-Trac full-time 4WD, and various option groups. The MSRP was $58,845, including the $1,595 destination charge. Jeep also introduced minor equipment modifications and new paint colors for 2022.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim. The interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort. Mazda replaced the previous trim levels with a more confusing lineup, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S came in base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, while the 2.5 Turbo was available in base and Signature trims.

Our test vehicle was the 2.5 Turbo with optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, and a package including roof rails and crossbars. The total cost was $39,445, including the $1,225 destination charge.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications reduced this to an average of 16.8 mpg over a week and 435 miles of driving.

Driving the Wrangler was a unique and immersive experience, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, these traits were part of the Wrangler's charm, offering a sense of adventure and freedom. The Wrangler was designed for off-road driving, with features like a removable top and doors, floor drain plugs, and a rugged interior. Despite its high fuel consumption and lack of refinement, the Wrangler provided a memorable driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was revised for more responsive performance, and all CX-5s came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The EPA estimated 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg.

The CX-5 2.5 Turbo featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The 2022 model had increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter and smoother ride. The CX-5 offered improved driving dynamics, with reduced body roll and a blend of compliance and composure. The added sense of solidity and cabin quietude enhanced Mazda's premium brand image.

Getting in and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was challenging, especially with the High Tide's raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward or relying on the reversing camera. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage space was limited, with small trays and compartments. The tailgate and rear window provided access to 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats. The new seats provided better support and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat was a rarity among rivals. The 2.5 Turbo test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic 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. The control layout was frustrating, with the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with small bins and trays. The CX-5 provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats and steering wheel.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services were standard. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Marginal ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact test. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the standard 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. The 2.5 S Premium trim added adaptive headlights, while the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.