2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent several significant changes to its exterior design. Mazda updated the LED headlights and taillights, giving them a more distinctive illumination. These changes aimed to help mitigate the common issue of drivers unintentionally operating their cars without their regular lights turned on. The CX-5 also featured new bumpers, a revised grille, and a redesigned rear liftgate. However, the alloy wheel designs remained relatively uninspired. The Signature trim introduced body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's ambition to transition into the premium market.

Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel, particularly in the Signature trim, which boasted Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided better comfort, though earlier models were criticized for their less supportive front seats.

Mazda transitioned to new trim levels for 2022, offering the 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The latter featured a turbocharged engine for those willing to trade fuel efficiency for performance. The 2.5 S trim came in several variations: base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus, ranging from $25,900 to $33,950, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The 2.5 Turbo started at $36,400 and the Signature trim at $38,650.

The test vehicle for this review was a 2.5 Turbo model, equipped with optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, and a package with roof rails and crossbars, totaling $39,445, including the destination charge.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L took a different approach, continuing the legacy of the Grand Cherokee which debuted by breaking through a glass wall at the 1992 Detroit auto show. Known for its robust and upscale appearance, the Grand Cherokee L expanded its style and luxury. The exterior featured modern elements like slim LED lighting, body-color bumpers with integrated exhaust tips, and a mild curve to the black roofline. The High Altitude package on our Hydro Blue test model blacked out the grille, logos, and door handles, complemented by dark gray 21-inch wheels, making it look bold and stylish.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was equally impressive in upper trims. It offered an abundance of luxury, including a polished black dash hiding an optional touchscreen, a thick metal dial for gear selection, and diamond-patterned stitching on seats and door panels. Although the lower trims didn't include high-end materials, they still looked superior to competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder. Overall, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L combined toughness with modern sophistication.

Performance was a critical aspect where these two SUVs diverged significantly. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S housed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. These figures were quite competitive, and Mazda's six-speed automatic transmission was revised for more responsive performance. The standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined were major highlights for this powertrain.

For those seeking more energetic performance, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, which dropped to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular fuel. The same six-speed automatic transmission and AWD system were included, but the fuel economy was rated slightly lower at 24 mpg combined. Specific driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Off-Road were available on higher trims.

Mazda increased the structural rigidity and suspension tuning on all CX-5 models, resulting in reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The driving dynamics saw notable improvement, with decreased body roll and enhanced grip. The ride felt sporty yet smoother and quieter, supporting Mazda's premium brand aspirations.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, however, showed its strength in a different light. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. However, it was somewhat underwhelming, producing a groaning sound and struggling with this SUV's weight. A turbo inline-six from the Wagoneer, though more refined, was yet not available for this model.

The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 stood out with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, making it a more suitable choice for towing needs, with a maximum rating of 7,200 pounds compared to the V6’s 6,200 pounds. Nonetheless, the V8 had a lower fuel economy rated at 14/22/17 mpg compared to the V6’s 18/25/21 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee L compensated for performance shortfalls with a solid and stiff chassis. The air suspension provided fine handling and a comfortable ride, handling well even in corners. The three optional four-wheel-drive systems made the Jeep command respect off-road, with ground clearance adjustable up to 10.9 inches through five height settings.

Comfort and practicality form a crucial aspect of any SUV comparison. Mazda addressed earlier complaints about the CX-5’s seats with new, supportive furnishings for 2022. The sports-oriented seating position provided a better relationship with the steering wheel, and the height-adjustable front passenger's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated seats on higher trims added to the comfort. However, the back seat in the CX-5 remained snug, and the storage space was just adequate. The cargo space offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and extended to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was higher than many entry-level luxury SUVs but lower compared to mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, used its extended length to provide more interior space. The wheelbase extended by five inches, allowing for more second-row legroom. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with an optional 60/40 bench seat for $750. It offered a console with four-zone climate control and heated (and ventilated) rear seats in higher trims. The power-folding third-row seats provided ample room for kids but tighter for adults. Visibility and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent, and the dual rows of handy buttons flanked the touchscreen for operational ease.

Cargo space in the Grand Cherokee L outperformed the Mazda, offering 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and a class-leading 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. This capacity was far superior to the Mazda CX-5.

Mazda maintained its tech setup for the 2022 CX-5, featuring a 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system. However, it lacked a touchscreen interface or natural voice recognition, making the system less intuitive to use. Instead, drivers had to rely on center console controls and steering wheel buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year complimentary trial (except for WiFi). The 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio came with the 2.5 S Premium trim.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's tech setup was more advanced. Lower trims like the Laredo and Altitude offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims included a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation. All trims ran on Uconnect 5, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Although legibility of some icons could be improved, features like the night vision, Active Driving Assist, and head-up display with multiple views set it apart.

Upper trims delivered a tech-rich experience with 16-way power front seats, five massage programs, and a unique passenger screen. This screen allowed passengers to control various functions while the built-in Amazon Fire TV provided entertainment. Many features available in the Grand Cherokee L had no equivalents in the CX-5.

Mazda placed a strong emphasis on safety for the 2022 CX-5, equipping it with the extensive i-Activsense suite. This suite included 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 features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestowed the 2022 CX-5 with a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, a prestigious accolade.

For the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, safety was equally paramount. The vehicle received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, following frame reinforcements. It also received five-star ratings in various tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, except for a four-star rating in rollover tests. Standard features included driver and passenger front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Advanced features like front cross-traffic braking, backup camera washer, 360-degree cameras, and night vision were available on higher trims.