Comparing Space in the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Mazda CX-90

As Star Trek told us, space is the final frontier, and that is especially true when deciding on an SUV—particularly a three-row midsize model. These vehicles usually represent a compromise between passenger space and room for your belongings in the trunk. Most of these models err on the side of passenger comfort, sacrificing utility with a trunk that is less than optimal. In addition, the choice of powertrain can have an impact, with many automakers choosing fuel economy over performance.

Two three-row midsize SUVs that illustrate this point are the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2024 Mazda CX-90. Jeep provides you with more interior space and a powertrain that favors performance, whereas Mazda provides better fuel economy and more seats but at the expense of roominess and cargo capacity. If you are interested in a Jeep Grand Cherokee L for sale because it will meet your needs, visit our dealership, as we have the full Jeep lineup—including the 2024 Grand Cherokee L—on hand, so you’re sure to find what you’re after.

More Room or More Comfort?

In designing a three-row midsize SUV, engineers need to answer a simple question: Are you looking to fit more passengers or use the space to give a smaller number of passengers more comfort? The 2024 Mazda CX-90 seats up to eight passengers in a cabin that has 141.6 cu.ft. of volume. This is at once more passengers than the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L can hold and less overall space for them. 

The Grand Cherokee L is configured with six bucket seats, and each trim level offers the option of a bench seat in the second row as well. Jeep can offer this because the Grand Cherokee L has 152 cu.ft. of passenger space, which is over 7% more. As a result, the interior dimensions of the Grand Cherokee L dwarf those of the Mazda CX-90.

It starts with the Grand Cherokee L offering more third-row headroom. Your passengers in the back will feel more comfortable with 37.3 inches instead of the 36.9 inches on the Mazda. In addition, because seven-seat models of the Grand Cherokee L add the bench seat in the second row, those in the third will not be cramped since, under all circumstances, the extra passenger will be seated in the second row and not the third, which is the case on the CX-90. As a result, third-row passengers in the Jeep will enjoy things like armrests that you won’t get in the Mazda.

Cargo Space Without Compromise

One of the biggest selling points for three-row midsize SUVs is the ability to take road trips with friends and families. Unlike two-row models that can only seat up to five passengers, three-row SUVs give you the capacity for anywhere from seven passengers on the Grand Cherokee L to eight on some trims of the CX-90 that have a second-row bench seat. The problem is that when all of the seats are occupied, there may not be enough room in the trunk for everyone’s luggage.

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L does not require you to make this compromise between passengers and cargo. The trunk of the Grand Cherokee L opens to a very substantial 17.2 cu.ft. of space. This is significantly more than the 15.9 cu.ft. inside the trunk of the 2024 Mazda CX-90. So, if you try to go on a road trip with the CX-90, you might have space for eight members of your family, but someone is not going to get to bring along a suitcase. 

The difference between the cargo capacity on these two models is striking no matter what configuration you go with. If you fold down the third row of seats, the Grand Cherokee L will give you 46.9 cu.ft. of space for cargo, compared to only 40.1 cu.ft. on the CX-90. Folding down the second row also gives you 84.6 cu.ft. of cargo space on the Grand Cherokee L, compared to the 75.2 cu.ft. on the Mazda. 

That extra space could make the difference when you are moving to a new place, coming home from a shopping haul, or transporting large objects in your SUV. You don’t have to compromise between passenger capacity and cargo space on the Jeep like you do on the Mazda.

Two Different Performance Approaches

Mazda has decided to equip the 2024 CX-90 with two different versions of the same engine. In most trims, you will get a 3.3-liter e-SKYACTIV-G Turbo I-6 gas engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This has a mild hybrid system to boost engine efficiency and will deliver 280 hp at 5,000-6,000 RPM and 332 lb-ft of torque at 2,000-3,500 RPM using advanced direct fuel injection. 

If you opt for the S Premium or S Premium Plus trims, you get the same engine with a little boost. This one has an output of 340 hp at 5,000-6,000 RPM and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000-4,500 RPM when using premium unleaded fuel. However, if you use regular unleaded, the output drops to 319 hp at 5,500-6,000 RPM. All 2024 CX-90s have rear-based i-ACTIV AWD, which provides greater traction in on-road conditions.

Jeep offers two different engines on the 2024 Grand Cherokee L. The standard engine on all trims is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This provides 293 hp at 6,400 RPM and 257 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. You can get the Grand Cherokee L with a 4×2 drivetrain or a 4×4 when choosing this engine. 

Jeep also offers the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims of the 2024 Grand Cherokee L with a larger 5.7-liter HEMI V8, also with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine is available on 4×4 models only and delivers an impressive 357 hp at 5,150 RPM and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 RPM. 

If you opt for a CX-90, you will get better fuel economy than the Grand Cherokee L. While the CX-90 gets a combined 25 MPG with either powertrain, the Grand Cherokee L provides a less efficient 21 MPG combined. However, this comes at the expense of performance. For example, a Grand Cherokee L with the larger engine can go from zero to sixty in just 6.2 seconds—faster than the 6.4 seconds it takes the CX-90 with the boosted engine to reach that speed.

The same goes for trailering. The Grand Cherokee L with the V6 engine can tow up to 6,200 lbs, while the ones with the V8 can tow up to 7,200 lbs. This is significantly more than the Mazda CX-90’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs for either powertrain. That is a significant difference, especially if you plan to go fishing or camping in your SUV and need to trailer a boat or camper. 

Finally, the all-wheel drive system on the 2024 Mazda CX-90 will be helpful in on-road conditions but will not give you the traction you need when going off-road. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is available with a Quadra-Trac I Active On-Demand 4×4 system. This will be vital if you plan to drive your SUV in off-road conditions, as a 4×4 directs different levels of horsepower to each wheel, while an all-wheel drive system involves providing torque to each axle; this makes a 4×4 a crucial feature when trying to deal with mud or sand. 

Two Models, But Only One Real Choice

Comparing these two models reveals the different approaches an automaker can take when designing a three-row midsize SUV. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 maximizes the number of seats at the expense of individual space and cargo capacity while providing an engine and drivetrain designed to boost fuel economy at the expense of performance. 

On the other hand, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee gives you the extra seating you need with more comfort for each of your passengers. In addition, it delivers a vehicle that excels at performance, towing, and traction. If you want a three-row midsize SUV that knows the value of space and the time it takes to get somewhere, then a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the model for you.