The Jeep Cherokee and Mazda CX-50 Face Off
The compact SUV segment is touted as crowded by some industry experts. Both the Mazda CX-50 and Jeep Cherokee offer buyers a rugged and competitive option in the compact SUV segment, and while the two models have a few things in common, only one can land the top spot. Let’s take a closer look at how the two SUVs stack up against each other.
The Mazda CX-50 kicks things off with a lower starting price, but buyer beware, it’s because the standard engine is a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, while the Jeep Cherokee is powered by a standard V6. The interior of the Mazda CX-50 is considered pleasant and features materials that match its price point. High-tier trims allow buyers to enjoy perks such as heated and cooled leather seats, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, and more. Contrary to other SUVs on the market, the Mazda CX-50 has more of an athletic handling than what’s usually expected from SUVs. An optional turbo engine brings horsepower up to 256 and offers buyers 320 lb-ft of torque.
Now for the Jeep Cherokee, buyers can expect a compact SUV that wears its Jeep badge proudly, thanks to its off-road chops. As one of the best off-roaders in the compact SUV segment, the Jeep Cherokee offers buyers up to three different all-wheel drive systems to choose from. The additional Selec-Terrain Traction Management System lets the driver choose their own drive mode depending on the terrain. The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model is a top-tier trim that adds a Rock drive mode, off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a rear locker to boost its Trail Rated capabilities.
Jeep takes pride in its infotainment systems, and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system that’s standard on the Jeep Cherokee is one of the best in the business. Uconnect 5 is used on a big 8.4-inch touchscreen that’s responsive and quick. Users can rely on smartphone connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and buyers who need a little more from their infotainment features can add an HD Radio, Navigation, and an Alpine premium audio system. Beneath the hood of the Jeep Cherokee lies a naturally-aspirated V6 engine, something that’s getting increasingly hard to find in the compact SUV segment. The standard engine generates up to 271 horsepower and features a best-in-class tow rating of up to 4,500 pounds.
Jeep also offers buyers an opportunity to upgrade to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged engine achieves horsepower like the standard V6, but torque is where it shines with its 239 lb-ft of torque at 4,440 rpm. While the Mazda CX-50 is tame and inoffensive for a compact SUV, the Jeep Cherokee really shines thanks to its many engine options and available features. Buyers looking for a compact SUV that can tackle any terrain while remaining fuel efficient should look no further than the Jeep Cherokee. Classic as ever, the Jeep Cherokee remains a unique SUV offering in a rather crowded segment.
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