Jeep Wrangler vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?

Jeep Wrangler

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2024 price

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Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

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Summary

2024 Jeep Wrangler

2023 Mazda CX-8

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

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Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

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6.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Super off-road capable
Tough, fun and nostalgic styling
New engine is a winner

Practical family features
Luxe factors throughout
Easy-as-pie to drive

Dislikes

Expensive
Not-so-great on-road dynamics and steering
Lower level of crash safety compared to rivals

Misses out on a 360-degree view camera system
Expensive compared to similarly specified rivals
Low number of airbags for family SUV

2024 Jeep Wrangler Summary

The first two things any new starter who arrives in the design department of Jeep’s headquarters in Ohio is told are, 1) The bathrooms are here and, 2) Don’t change the Wrangler.

Okay, I made that up, but it’s probably not far from the truth, because the Wrangler isn’t just iconic for Jeep, but iconic for the entire car world in a similar way to the Porsche 911 and the Ford Mustang.

The Jeep Wrangler is the equivalent of a Hollywood superstar - the Clint Eastwood of the car world - with its design that stretches all the way back to the iconic little off-roader purpose-built for the US Army in World War II.

So, how do you make changes without changing the recipe? Well, the Wrangler has been updated and we went to the Aussie launch to see what’s changed.

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2023 Mazda CX-8 Summary

Mazda has a tendency to have a lot of similar looking horses in the stable; blink and you'll miss the (very) subtle differences between the CX-8 and the CX-9 but if you're not super keen on the bulk of the CX-9 and you've outgrown the space of the CX-5... this one's for you.

Especially, if you've been considering its competition - the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite CRDi AWD and Toyota Kluger GXL AWD. Both of which have become known for their features and space.

So, how does it compare? The CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive seats seven, has a decent boot space (albeit, when the third row isn't in use) and handles like a dream.

Perfect combination? Maybe. I've been driving it for the last week with my family to find out for you.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Jeep Wrangler 2023 Mazda CX-8

Verdict

The changes to this updated Jeep Wrangler are small but meaningful. The inclusion of airbags, the updated media screen, and a feisty engine which suits the plucky nature of this off-roader make it a better Wrangler than ever.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

So, what did my family think about the Mazda CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive? I love how it performs on the road - it's super easy to drive and you don't notice how large it is in a car park.

There are some great family-friendly features scattered throughout and I like how practical this is too with the extra seats and top-tether points. The multimedia system isn’t my favourite and I would have preferred to have seen a few extra airbags and a 360-degree view camera, but overall, it’s a good family car and gets an 8.0/10 from me.

My son loved the sun blinds and the cool colour of the seats. He also gives it an 8.0/10.

Jeep Wrangler vs Mazda CX-8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Wrangler vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?