2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, serving as a smaller sibling to the iconic Bronco. It drew inspiration from the original 1966-1996 Bronco, aiming to compete with rugged models like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. The Bronco Sport, however, was designed as a unibody crossover, focusing more on urban driving while still catering to weekend adventurers. Its design featured a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of Land Rover vehicles, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a subtle "SPORT" postscript and a single Ford blue oval badge on the tailgate.

The Bronco Sport's interior was rugged yet tastefully designed, with a focus on functionality. The cabin featured a unique shape for the HVAC vents, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and a rotary gear selector. Interior trim options varied across models, from cloth seats to leather-trimmed, heated sport-contour bucket seats. The vehicle also offered practical features like a rubberized cargo floor and second-row seat protector, catering to active lifestyles. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch machined-face aluminum Ebony Black-painted wheels on the Outer Banks model, with options for upgrades.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, presented subtle yet significant updates. It featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided enhanced comfort, and the driving position was sportier, offering a more natural relationship to the steering wheel and controls.

The CX-5's interior was equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small bin under the centre armrest and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was competitive, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices, each tied to specific trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes for various terrains.

The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It was designed for adventurous driving, but it also performed well on pavement, serving as a reliable commuter and family vehicle. The 2.0-litre engine in the Badlands trim was better suited to the Bronco Sport's character, while the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine as its entry-level option, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All CX-5 models came with standard all-wheel drive, and the fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine option delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas.

The turbocharged engine also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, further improving the driving experience. The 2022 CX-5's ride and handling were notably improved, offering a blend of compliance and composure that instilled confidence in the driver.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features beyond the typical compact crossover. Its cargo space was engineered to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford provided a catalog 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, while the 1.5-litre engine could tow 907 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps.

The Bronco Sport's front cabin offered ample storage compartments, including large door pockets and multiple cubbies. However, some drivers found the outward visibility challenging, especially when spotting traffic lights or navigating off-road trails. The seating position could be improved for better visibility, but overall, the interior was functional and well-suited for active lifestyles.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling with new furnishings and improved driving dynamics. The new seats provided enhanced comfort and support, and the driving position was sportier. The height-adjustable front passenger seat was a welcome addition, and the interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small bin under the centre armrest and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was competitive, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available SiriusXM capability. FordPass Connect with a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered five drive modes on Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, with additional modes on the Badlands model. Trail control technology provided cruise-control-like assistance for off-roading.

The Bronco Sport also featured intelligent access with push-button start, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels, and a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel on higher trims. The technology package was comprehensive, catering to both on-road and off-road driving needs.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth. However, the display was not touch-sensitive, and the system lacked natural voice recognition. Instead, users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was optional on GT and standard from Sport Design, providing a satisfactory audio experience.

Mazda's approach to infotainment required acclimation, but the system was functional once users became familiar with it. The lack of a touchscreen and advanced voice recognition was a drawback, but the standard connectivity features helped mitigate these limitations.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated navigation system. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with the i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.