2022 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of elegance and ruggedness. Its design featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, exuding a subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's vehicles. The CX-50's exterior elements, such as blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes, added a touch of ruggedness. Inside, the CX-50 offered a driver-focused design with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The interior was comfortable, with heated seats and a dual-zone climate control system. While the CX-50's design was appealing, it lacked some of the off-road capabilities of the Bronco, positioning it more as a stylish crossover for urban and light off-road use.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, featured a crawl gear for low-speed driving. All models came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, ensuring impressive off-road capabilities. The Bronco excelled in challenging terrains, with models like the Everglades capable of fording water up to 92.5 centimetres deep. On-road, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, making it a versatile choice for both off-road and highway driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided two engine options: a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine's power varied depending on the fuel type, with higher outputs on 93-octane gas. The CX-50's six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ all-wheel-drive system ensured smooth acceleration and handling. While the CX-50's ride quality was firmer than the CX-5, it offered a comfortable driving experience on various terrains. The CX-50's towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine, making it suitable for light towing tasks. However, its off-road capabilities were limited compared to the Bronco, lacking features like downhill assist control.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The two-door model provided 634 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door model increased these figures to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its removable doors and fender flares added to its versatility, while external hard mounting points enhanced its utility for off-road adventures.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated seats and a dual-zone climate control system. The rear seats provided ample space for adults, and the rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle for easy access. The CX-50's cargo space measured 889 litres, expanding to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded. While storage space was adequate, the CX-50 lacked some storage solutions found in the Bronco. The power rear liftgate and side bins added convenience, but the narrow load floor between the wheel wells limited cargo capacity.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes for different terrains and a forward-looking trail camera for improved visibility. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The Bronco's technology suite included a Trail Turn Assist feature for sharper turns in tight spaces, making it a tech-savvy choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display offered touchscreen control for these platforms, though the native Mazda Connect interface lacked touchscreen functionality. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, while the Active Driving Display projected essential data within the driver's line of sight. Despite some user interface challenges, the CX-50's technology offerings catered to modern drivers seeking connectivity and convenience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received favourable ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in frontal, side, and roof strength tests. However, its rollover protection rating was three out of five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some limitations in headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The CX-50's standard safety package included active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. While the driving assistance systems generally performed well, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, requiring manual intervention.