The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a sleek, modern crossover SUV that Mazda has marketed as a reliable off-road vehicle. If the CX-50 is intended as an off-road vehicle, how does it compare to the Jeep Wrangler? The Wrangler has long been one of the most famous off-road SUVs on the market, but the Mazda CX-50 still has six advantages over it.
1. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a better price
The Mazda CX-50 has an almost luxury quality inside and out, and it still maintains an affordable base price. Edmunds states that a base Mazda CX-50 has an MSRP of $26,800. In top trim, the CX-50 costs $41,550.
As for the Jeep Wrangler, Edmunds states that base models cost $29,995, over $3,000 more than the Mazda CX-50. When various trims are included, the Wrangler becomes even more expensive. The most expensive 2023 Jeep Wrangler model costs $79,595.
2. The CX-50 has more seats
When comparing the base Mazda CX-50 to the base Jeep Wrangler, the Mazda wins when it comes to seating. The CX-50 seats five compared to the Wrangler’s four. However, Consumer Reports states that there is a trim option for a five-seat Wrangler.
This links back to the idea that the Mazda CX-50 is more affordable. Drivers must pay extra to get a fifth seat in the Jeep Wrangler, but the fifth seat is standard with the CX-50.
3. Jeep Wrangler has worse fuel economy
Neither SUV model has impressive gas mileage, but the Mazda CX-50 is significantly more fuel efficient than the Jeep Wrangler. According to Consumer Reports, the CX-50 has a combined mileage of 24 mpg, with 16 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. This is a big improvement over the Wrangler, which gets 18 mpg overall, with 13 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
This lack of fuel efficiency means that a driver has to make frequent stops if they plan to take the Jeep Wrangler on a road trip, and driving a Wrangler would mean spending a lot more money on gas.
4. Mazda crossover has more cargo capacity
Standard Mazda CX-50 models are known to be quite roomy, and Mazda notes that the vehicle was designed to make cargo easily accessible as well. Base model Jeep Wranglers do not offer this amount of cargo space. Car and Driver states that only two carry-on bags will fit in a two-door Wrangler.
For enough cargo space, a buyer must opt for a four-door Wrangler. However, this again touches on the issue of price, as this is a more expensive Wrangler model than the base line.
5. The CX-50 produces less cabin noise
Comfort is a significant selling point for the Mazda CX-50, which can be seen in the amount of cabin noise owners will experience while driving. The CX-50 received a high rating in its Consumer Reports review for the lack of noise while driving. At the same time, the Wrangler was criticized for having constant wind noise while driving.
6. The Mazda CX-50 has superior stopping distances
Car and Driver states that the Mazda CX-50 can brake from 70 mph to 0 mph in 161 feet. This is better than the Jeep Wrangler, which needs 176 feet to brake at the same speed.
When all these advantages are considered, they show how the Mazda CX-50 and Jeep Wrangler have different drivers in mind. The CX-50 is meant to be an SUV that is comfortable on road trips and rugged for off-road driving. At the same time, the Wrangler is expressly made with off-road driving in mind and is not intended as a road trip vehicle.
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