2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Jeep Wrangler
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Jeep Wrangler lies in powertrain output and fuel economy. The Wrangler boasts a substantial 98 horsepower advantage (285 hp vs. 187 hp) and 75 lb-ft more torque (260 lb-ft vs. 185 lb-ft), justifying its higher MSRP of $33,785 compared to the CX-50's $30,500. This performance differential comes at the cost of efficiency; the CX-50 achieves 28 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel, while the Wrangler manages only 19 MPG combined. Furthermore, cargo space is vastly different, with the CX-50 offering 31.4 cubic feet against the Wrangler's 12.9 cubic feet. While the Wrangler is considerably taller at 73.6 inches versus the CX-50's 63.5 inches, the Mazda's advantage in efficiency and utility makes it a more practical daily driver for the majority of consumers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 wins due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Wrangler's 19 MPG combined rating.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 offers more than double the usable storage space, measuring 31.4 cu ft compared to the Wrangler's 12.9 cu ft.
2026 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler appeals to enthusiasts with significantly higher output, generating 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, compared to the CX-50's 187 hp.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 provides better overall metrics, achieving 9 MPG better efficiency for a $3,285 lower initial purchase price.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Daily driving efficiency is paramount, given the CX-50's 28 MPG combined rating.
- Maximum cargo hauling is necessary, as the CX-50 provides 31.4 cu ft versus 12.9 cu ft.
- A lower initial investment of $30,500 is preferred over the Wrangler's starting price of $33,785.
Choose the Jeep Wrangler if...
- Maximum power is desired, indicated by the Wrangler's 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- A taller ride height (73.6 inches) and dedicated four-wheel drive capability are required over AWD.
- The driver prefers engaging performance provided by the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Jeep Wrangler |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 166.8" |
| Width | 75.6" | 73.9" |
| Height | 63.5" | 73.6" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 96.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 285 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Manual Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 17/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 297.5/402.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Power Steering | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Power Driver Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 45.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 245/75R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Jeep Wrangler.
How much better is the fuel economy of the CX-50 compared to the Wrangler?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is significantly more efficient, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the 2026 Jeep Wrangler's 19 MPG combined rating. This 9 MPG difference will translate to substantial long-term fuel savings for the CX-50 owner.
Which vehicle offers superior raw power output?
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offers substantially more power, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda CX-50 produces 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
Is the cargo capacity comparable between these two models?
No, the cargo capacities are vastly different. The CX-50 provides 31.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, whereas the Wrangler is severely limited at 12.9 cubic feet.
What is the price difference between the base models listed?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 has a lower MSRP of $30,500. The 2026 Jeep Wrangler starts higher at $33,785, creating a direct price gap of $3,285.
Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Jeep Wrangler are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding premium fuel requirements.
What differentiates the drivetrain and physical size?
The CX-50 uses All-Wheel Drive paired with a 6-speed automatic, while the Wrangler features Four-Wheel Drive and a 6-speed manual. Physically, the Wrangler is much taller (73.6 inches vs 63.5 inches) but shorter in length (166.8 inches vs 185.8 inches).
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