2024 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it a luxurious feel that belied its mass-market status. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Although Mazda planned to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, the CX-5 remained a refined and sophisticated choice, offering a range of versions from the base 2.5 S to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in the two-door variant. The Sasquatch Package enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, including the high-performance Raptor model, and a choice between two-door and four-door body styles. The interior was spacious, especially in the four-door version, and featured marine-grade vinyl upholstery. The Bronco's design allowed for an open-air driving experience with removable roof panels and doors, making it a versatile and adventurous choice.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive performance and a firm, connected ride quality. However, fuel efficiency was a concern, with the turbo model achieving 21.4 mpg in testing, below the EPA's 24 mpg estimate.

The 2024 Ford Bronco featured a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, with an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 offering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft. The Bronco Raptor boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. A part-time 4WD system was standard, with an advanced system available. The Bronco excelled off-road, equipped with technologies like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist. However, its fuel efficiency was lacking, with the Big Bend Sasquatch averaging 16.9 mpg in testing, below the EPA's 18 mpg estimate.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments and heated options in higher trims. However, its interior space was limited, with a cramped back seat and modest cargo capacity of 30.9 cubic feet, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The infotainment system was a source of frustration, lacking a touchscreen and relying on awkward physical controls.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a spacious interior, especially in the four-door model, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The two-door version provided 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet, while the four-door offered 38.3 cubic feet, increasing to 83 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The Bronco's design allowed for an open-air experience with removable roof panels and doors, enhancing its versatility.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display but was criticized for its lack of a touchscreen and cumbersome controls. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims offered a Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass Connect services. However, the system experienced connectivity issues and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense driver assistance features and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display in higher trims. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Bronco received favorable IIHS ratings, except for its headlight performance, and had incomplete NHTSA crash-test results.