2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and minimal curves. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The SUV featured wide fenders, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, and round headlights, with the option of a striking new purple paint color called Reign. Inside, the Wrangler maintained its practical nature with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls, though it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 offered a more refined and stylish appearance, despite its excessive use of charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body. The crossover boasted a sleek design with short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline. Inside, the CX-30 felt upscale, with a well-designed interior featuring clear gauges, a seamlessly integrated infotainment screen, and dual-zone climate controls. The test model’s Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta and Black interior added a unique touch, making the CX-30 feel like an entry-level luxury SUV.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance, offering a variety of engine options to suit different needs. The standard V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provided 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a more eco-friendly option with 21 miles of all-electric range. However, the 392 model had some drawbacks in on-road performance, with inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, provided a smooth and gradual power delivery with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD system ensured a seamless driving experience. While the CX-30 was fun to drive and offered excellent visibility, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an observed 21.3 mpg. Despite this, the CX-30 handled well on winding roads and offered a comfortable ride, making it a sporty choice in its class.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, though rear seating was tight, especially in the four-door models. Storage space for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and center console. The Wrangler provided 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, but accessing gear could be challenging with the soft top. Various top options, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, allowed for an open-air experience. The Wrangler also featured ample charging points throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 impressed with its quality materials and logical controls. The interior was cramped, particularly in the back seat, but the front seats were comfortable and heated. Storage space was adequate, with 20.2 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The CX-30’s flexible cargo hold and practical design made it a suitable choice for small SUV buyers.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system, though initially complex, was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler offered practical tech features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches but lacked advanced options like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. While the screen was far from the driver, it represented an improvement over static displays. The CX-30 included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, USB-C ports, and a Bose premium audio system in higher trims. However, the lack of natural voice recognition limited the system’s effectiveness.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, including a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims earning poor headlight ratings.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 prioritized safety with new standard features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat alert system. It also included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.