Mazda CX-5 vs Jeep Renegade

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, was based on the same platform as the Jeep Compass but drew its design inspiration from the iconic Wrangler SUV. It featured a boxy profile, circular headlights, and an upright seven-slat grille. The 2019 refresh carried over to the 2021 model, making previously optional features standard. Inside, the Renegade had a modern, functional cabin with an upright center stack, reminiscent of the Wrangler, putting controls within easy reach. It offered various trims, including Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk, each with unique features and equipment.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 received subtle yet significant updates. New LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs marked the exterior changes. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the front seats. The trim levels were restructured, offering a more confusing lineup but aiming to cater to different preferences and budgets.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came with a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 177 horsepower and an impressive 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The turbocharged engine provided better refinement and torque, making it a more appealing choice. Despite some transmission issues, the Renegade offered a solid ride quality, good maneuverability, and impressive off-road capabilities, especially in the Trailhawk trim with its terrain management system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for more responsive performance. All CX-5s came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), offering a fuel economy of 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant, running on premium gas, provided 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD contributed to a fuel economy of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5’s improved structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning resulted in a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with the seats in use. Its tall, boxy design provided ample headroom in both rows, with great legroom in the front seats and adequate space for adults in the rear. The Renegade featured various storage solutions, including small cubbies, trays, and optional equipment tie-downs. The front passenger seat could fold completely forward, creating a table for gear or additional space for long items.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new, more comfortable furnishings. The driving position became sportier, and the height-adjustable front passenger seat was a welcome addition. 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 for added comfort. The control layout, however, remained a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, adequate compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on mid-tier trims and standard on higher trims. Both screens ran the intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, featuring a logical menu layout, easy-to-read graphics, and a helpful dock with icons for major functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a Kenwood premium audio system was available.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed touchscreens caused driver distraction, so the system relied on center console and steering wheel controls. While users could acclimate to this approach, the lack of natural voice recognition was a drawback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

For 2021, the Jeep Renegade made previously optional safety features standard across the lineup, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and front and rear parking sensors were optional. Despite these features, the Renegade received only four out of five stars in crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, 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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a distinction few rivals could match.