2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Offered in nine distinct trims, it featured a blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights that were unmistakable from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised fins helped with cargo and navigation.

Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior was designed for durability, with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for hosing out dirt. Sturdy handholds and customizable features added to its off-road appeal. While the materials weren't as refined as typical SUVs, they were built to last, and the Bronco was quieter than its Jeep Wrangler counterpart.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, elevated Mazda's design and material quality to near-luxury levels. Its elegant design, inspired by smaller Mazda models, was supersized into an imposing SUV with a big grille and tasteful chrome trim. Inside, top trims featured brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, rivaling luxury brands. The CX-90 offered eight trims with three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a powerful inline-six engine.

The interior of the CX-90 was impressive, with a focus on comfort and style. It offered various seating configurations, with top trims featuring luxurious materials and a panoramic sunroof. While it wasn't the most spacious in its class, clever storage options and a comfortable layout made it a strong contender in the three-row crossover segment.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 boasted 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case, making them capable off-roaders. The Bronco's ride was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with quieter interiors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine produced 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All models came with AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 offered three driving modes, with Sport mode enhancing performance. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 42 km. The CX-90 excelled in handling, feeling agile in tight corners.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. The two-door model had 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door offered 1,008 litres, increasing to 2,197 litres. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, limiting cargo flexibility. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the top Turbo Signature trim featuring a six-seat layout. Cargo space varied, with up to 2,129 litres available. While not the most spacious in its class, the CX-90 provided clever storage solutions and a comfortable interior. The materials and upholstery added to its appeal, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes for off-road optimization, along with numerous camera views for navigating tight spaces. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect system, using a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the system had quirks, personalization software improved user experience. The CX-90 offered standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls for these systems.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three for rollover protection from NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 included i-Activsense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, as standard. Features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were included. While not yet crash-tested, it was expected to perform well, given the CX-9's strong safety ratings.