The full-size SUV segment is a hotly contested battleground and the segment itself has proven to be very resilient to changing market conditions including higher fuel prices. As a result, automakers are doing everything they can to secure maximum sales from their utility models. Two of these models are the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with the duo eying the luxury side of the SUV market when paired with certain trim levels.
But which one of these models is the best, and which one has the right mixture of value, features, and comfort? We were eager to find out, especially with recent news of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L ditching its V8 for the 2025 model year.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
As the “L” portion of its name implies, the Grand Cherokee L is the extended wheelbase version of the two-row model with this variant adding a third-row seat for seating up to seven when the second-row bench seat is equipped. This bench can be swapped out for captain’s chairs but that cuts seating capacity to six. With the bulk of the changes being largely centered in the interior, the rest of the Jeep is mostly unchanged from its two-row counterpart with the front end still mixing functionality with elegance especially when equipped as either a Summit or an Overland model. The extended length is masked well and the rear end has a tidy presentation with the crisply styled liftgate being paired with tasteful taillights.
The interior of the Grand Cherokee L is also shared with the two-row model with these models also benefitting from many of the upgrades that originally made their appearance on the two-row model. Base Laredo models come equipped with the essentials and focus on maintaining a strong sense of value and comfort with Limited models enhancing this further. Buyers looking to add more decadence to their Jeep experience will have to move up to either the Summit or Overland models with these tris adding luxury features such as quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and dual display screens. The main 10.1-inch screen is nestled in the center console and gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in navigation system. The 10.3-inch passenger screen is optional on higher trim levels and is similar to what you see in the bigger Wagoneer with the screen featuring a built-in fade feature to keep the driver from getting distracted by it when out on the move. Second-row passengers can also get a pair of optional 10.1-inch screens that are mounted on the back of the front seats.
Performance for the Grand Cherokee L will be simplified for 2025, with the model pitching the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 due to it being phased out as a whole across the entire Stellantis empire (as well as slow sales.) Instead, all models will be powered by a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 that makes 293 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard across nearly all the lineup, with the Summit and Overland models being the two exceptions that have four-wheel drive standard. The V6 follows the same basic script as other Pentastar V6s we have experienced over the years with the engine being happy in the highest portion of the rev band with the powertrain suffering from a lack of low-end torque. Buyers that still want a V8 will no longer have access to it on the configurator and will have to rely on their local dealership having a V8 model in their inventory pool instead. The axing of the V8 does little to change the pricing ladder with a base Laredo A starting at $36,495. The Limited starts at $45,905 while the Summit and Overland start at $60,995 and $62,560 respectively.
There are also other versions like the Altitude and Altitude X but to help keep things simple, we omitted these trims this time around with both Altitudes being mainly styling and equipment package specials.
2024 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 replaced the aging CX-9 last year and has rapidly become the golden boy in the three-row SUV segment with the SUV receiving plenty of acclaim for its exterior and interior styling as well as its performance hardware. Unlike the Jeep Grand Cherokee L which added the third-row in after the fact, Mazda went in reverse with the CX-90 being designed from the start to have a third-row with the two-row CX-70 appearing after the CX-90 launched.
Unlike the rugged Jeep, the Mazda goes in a sportier direction with its exterior styling being a tasteful canvas of curves and sweeps. Mazda’s changes for 2025 focus on minor package alterations with a new Premium Sport model replacing the Premium model. Premium Sports add 21-inch wheels and black accents that replace the shiny bits. The rear of the CX-90 continues to be its most glaring weakness but that’s ok since many of its competitors often stumble on rear styling too. In addition to the arrival of the Premium Sport, Mazda also dropped the Preferred and base Turbo S models.
Slip inside the CX-90 and you’ll continue to find a stylish cabin that focuses on material and design quality. While the 12.3-inch infotainment system is not quite as flashy as the Jeep’s it still has plenty of goodies including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The screen is controlled by a large rotary knob with Mazda still resisting the urge to give their models a fully touch-centric screen. No passenger screen is found but Mazda uses the space for tyling purposes including a novel hanging stitch style motif in certain trim levels. Most CX-90s get a second-row bench seat but certain trim levels swap them out for comfortable captain’s chairs. The third-row seat is best left for children, but fold it down and it allows the CX-90 to swallow an impressive amount of cargo.
Performance is where the CX-90 shines especially with the Jeep now relying on its base V6 for sole powertrain duties. In the case of the Mazda, buyers get to choose from two engines with hybrid models getting a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s mated to a 68 kW electric motor for a combined 323 horsepower with these models competing with the 4Xe version of the Grand Cherokee. However, the bulk of buyers will go for the 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six which is paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. The engine comes in two tunes with the base version producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque for non-S models with the spicier S model producing 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3-liter is the engine to go for if you’re eying a CX-90 for yourself. The engine is smooth and unlike the Jeep’s V6, it has a healthy amount of low-end torque with the turbo adding more spice to the driving experience which allows it to be talked about in the same vein as select BMW models.
Value Quotient
Ultimately, pricing plays the biggest role in deciding which of these SUVs is the right fit for your driveway. Both the CX-90 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offer a dizzying lineup of trim levels but if we had our buying dollar on the line, we would give a nod to the CX-90. The CX-90 has a trim ladder that’s just as big (despite Mazda’s attempts to simplify it) but unlike the Jeep which feels like it’s throwing everything at the wall to try and find an idea that sticks, each CX-90 model feels like it has a purpose and distinct identity.
That’s evident when you look at the equipment packages as well as the subtle styling differences in and out for each trim. In addition, the 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six gives the CX-90 a degree of vigor that the Jeep’s wheezy V6 simply can’t match. This would be different if the L retained its 5.7-liter V8 but with Jeep and Stellantis as a whole putting a focus on fuel economy, the Jeep misses out on some of the additional muscle that defines the CX-90 and other rivals in the segment.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.