The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a stylish, modern crossover SUV that Mazda has been marketing as a reliable off-road vehicle. If the CX-50 is meant as an off-roader, how does it compare to the Jeep Wrangler? The Wrangler has long been one of the most recognizable 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 in its interior and exterior, and it still maintains an affordable base price. Edmunds states that a base Mazda CX-50 has an MSRP of $26,800. At the highest 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 different trims are included, though, the Wrangler becomes even more expensive. The most costly 2023 Jeep Wrangler model costs $79,595.

2. The CX-50 has more seating

When the base Mazda CX-50 is compared to the base Jeep Wrangler, the Mazda wins in terms of seating. The CX-50 has five seats compared to the Wrangler’s four. However, Consumer Reports states that there is a trim option for a five-seat Wrangler. 

This connects back to the idea that the Mazda CX-50 is more affordable. Drivers have to pay extra to get a fifth seat in the Jeep Wrangler, but that fifth seat is standard with the CX-50.

3. The Jeep Wrangler has worse fuel economy ratings

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 an overall mileage rating of 24 mpg, with 16 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. This is a major 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 a driver will have to make frequent stops if they plan to take the Jeep Wrangler on a road trip, and driving a Wrangler would mean spending much more money on gas.

4. The Mazda crossover has more cargo capacity

Standard Mazda CX-50 models are noted for being quite spacious, 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 suitcases fit in a two-door Wrangler. 

For adequate cargo space, a buyer must choose a four-door Wrangler. However, this once again touches on the issue of price, as this is a more expensive Wrangler model than the baseline offering.

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 earned a high score in its Consumer Reports review for the lack of noise while driving. Meanwhile, 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 of these advantages are considered, they demonstrate 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. Meanwhile, the Wrangler is explicitly made with off-roading in mind and is not thought of as a road trip vehicle.