2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the CX-5 had some drawbacks, such as a small back seat, limited cargo space, and a frustrating infotainment system. Mazda had plans to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, hoping to retain its loyal customer base.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered a unique blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering across its nine trim levels. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights made it easily recognizable. The Bronco's interior was rugged, with features designed for durability rather than luxury. It provided ample space, especially in the four-door model, and offered practical storage solutions. The Bronco's design and features catered to off-road enthusiasts, with easily removable fenders and doors, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It had a fuel economy rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine produced 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with a fuel economy of 9.8 L/100 km. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive handling and a firm ride quality.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices. The base 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with the automatic transmission. The top-tier Bronco Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, generating 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road performance, with features like G.O.A.T. drive modes and Trail Turn Assist, while maintaining decent on-road manners.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered comfortable front seats with height adjustment, power adjustments, and various upholstery options, including Nappa leather in the Signature trim. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with cramped rear seats and smaller cargo capacity compared to rivals. It provided 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down. The infotainment system lacked a touchscreen and voice recognition, making it less user-friendly.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy design provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door version offered 634 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded, while the four-door had 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use due to its lack of voice recognition and awkward physical controls. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting while driving. Despite this, it offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in upper trims. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. Most models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for improved usability.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, which could be problematic.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-descent control. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco's safety features were functional but not as comprehensive as those in more conventional SUVs.