Jeep Grand Cherokee 73·Mazda CX-5 80on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-5 about $13,774 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $13,774 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee counters with more towing capacity (6,200 vs 1,500 lbs) and more cargo room (37.7 vs 33.7 cu ft).
Go with the Mazda CX-5 for the better long-term value; consider the Jeep Grand Cherokee if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Mazda CX-5
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee versus 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Metric
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Mazda CX-5
MotiveGrid Score
73
80
Cost of Ownership
69
84
Powertrain
54
62
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
47
51
Safety
99
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$57,240
$43,467
Depreciation (5-yr)
$20,897
$12,146
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$14,111
$12,829
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,635
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,670
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$5,717
$4,512
Registration (5-yr)
$1,060
$895
Starting Price
$37,995
$29,990
Horsepower
324 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
24 mpg
26 mpg
Cargo volume
37.7 cu ft
33.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
6,200 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
RWD
AWD
Gas
2026$37,995
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2026$29,990
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,467 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-5 scores higher overall.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-5
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Grand Cherokee
69
CX-5
84
Winner: CX-5
$13,774 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Grand Cherokee
54
CX-5
62
Winner: CX-5
+8 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Grand Cherokee
38
CX-5
32
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Grand Cherokee
47
CX-5
51
Winner: CX-5
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $13,774 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Jeep Grand Cherokee still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Mazda CX-5
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
More cargo room
Highway driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-5
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
Mazda CX-5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$724
$43,467 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-5 comes out about $13,774 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
