2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the classic Bronco, capturing its rugged spirit in a more compact, urban-friendly package. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs designed for optimal off-road performance. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. Wheel options varied across trims, from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels on the Outer Banks. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet refined interior, with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The interior trim improved with each model, offering options from cloth to leather-trimmed heated seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo presented a sleek, sophisticated design with a focus on black accents, including shiny black 18-inch wheels and body cladding. This design choice gave the CX-30 a floating appearance, setting it apart from its Mazda3 hatchback roots. The CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, featuring quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The interior boasted stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents, contributing to an upscale vibe. The GT trim offered black or white leather seats, enhancing the premium feel. The CX-30's design emphasized a balance between style and functionality, appealing to those seeking a refined yet practical SUV.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, complemented by a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, while the 1.5-litre engine felt slightly strained under pressure.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 pound-feet, ensuring strong acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, with front-wheel drive available on lower trims. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling, while the i-Activ AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels. The CX-30 Turbo offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with a focus on delivering power and satisfaction rather than raw speed. Its off-road capabilities were supported by an Off-Road mode, providing confidence in challenging conditions.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with its versatile cargo space, capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered a range of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and optional slide-out work table. The front cabin provided ample storage, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's design prioritized practicality and adventure-readiness.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats. The cabin's minimalist design and quality materials created a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat space was limited. The CX-30 Turbo provided 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage options were generous, but the location of the wireless smartphone charger limited its usability. The CX-30 Turbo balanced style and functionality, appealing to those seeking a refined yet practical SUV.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, while a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system included up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and a digital instrument panel was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's 8.8-inch infotainment display was operated via physical controls and voice commands. While not a touchscreen, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim included SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience. The CX-30 Turbo's technology package aimed to provide a premium experience, though the infotainment system's complexity was noted.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. The GT trim added adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.