Mazda CX-9 vs Jeep Wrangler
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-9

$18,990 - $42,990

2021 price

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Jeep Wrangler

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2024 price

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Summary

2021 Mazda CX-9

2024 Jeep Wrangler

By Justin Hilliard

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

8.4L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

New 10.25-inch display
Seven-seater's versatility
Comfortable ride

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

Dislikes

Expensive AWD option
Six-seater's compromises
Older ANCAP safety rating

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

2021 Mazda CX-9 Summary

The second-generation Mazda CX-9 may have been on sale in Australia for nearly five years now, but it remains the second best-selling large SUV using unibody construction (as opposed to old-school, off-road-focused body-on-frame).

That said, it is getting on a bit, so Mazda’s given it an update with a twist for 2021, hoping to inject a little bit more life into its flagship model.

And when we say twist, we mean it. After all, who would’ve thought there’d ever be a six-seat CX-9? Well, we’ve checked it out to see if it’s the version we needed all along. Read on.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2021 Mazda CX-9 2024 Jeep Wrangler

Verdict

The CX-9 is still a great option for families looking for a large SUV, even if it is starting to show its age as new rivals continue to launch with newer technologies.

That said, the availability of a luxury-focused six-seat configuration (Azami LE AWD) for the first time might be enough to convince some buyers to give it further consideration.

But for others who need the versatility of seven seats, this is still the CX-9 we’ve all come to know and love – but just a little bit better – particularly in its best-selling Azami AWD form.

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.

Mazda CX-9 vs Jeep Wrangler What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-9 vs Jeep Wrangler
What's the difference?