2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport (Car1) and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 (Car2) is the $7,105 MSRP difference, with the Bronco Sport starting at $31,695 versus the CX-90’s $38,800. This price delta reflects a substantial 99 hp gap; the CX-90 delivers 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. Fuel economy metrics are tight, with Car1 achieving 27 combined MPG versus Car2’s 25 combined MPG. Size is another major contrast: the CX-90 is 28.1 inches longer at 200.8 inches, which ironically results in nearly half the usable space, as Car1 offers 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to Car2’s 14.9 cu ft. Both utilize standard AWD and 8-speed automatic transmissions, but the power and size imbalance dictates user preference.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is superior for city commuting due to its smaller 172.7-inch length and slightly better 25 MPG city rating.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90, despite its lower cargo volume listed, is fundamentally a larger crossover, suggesting superior third-row accommodation, although its 14.9 cu ft capacity is very restrictive.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90's significantly higher output of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque provides superior performance metrics.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport offers a compelling package for $7,105 less while still providing an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your priority is initial cost savings, evidenced by the $31,695 MSRP compared to the $38,800 of Car2.
- Maximizing cargo volume is crucial, as Car1 offers 32.5 cu ft versus Car2's 14.9 cu ft.
- You prefer the smaller footprint for urban navigation, measuring only 172.7 inches in length.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You require substantial power, as Car2 produces 280 hp, significantly more than Car1's 181 hp.
- Greater exterior size and presence are desired, with Car2 measuring 200.8 inches long.
- Your driving involves more high-speed maneuvers requiring greater torque (332 lb-ft).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.3" | 78.5" |
| Height | 70.2" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
How does the fuel efficiency compare between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport leads marginally with 27 MPG combined (25 City/30 Highway), utilizing regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is rated slightly lower at 25 MPG combined (23 City/28 Highway) using the same fuel type.
What is the primary reason for the performance gap?
The Mazda CX-90 boasts a 99 hp advantage, delivering 280 hp compared to the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp. This directly translates to 332 lb-ft of torque in the CX-90 versus 190 lb-ft in the Bronco Sport.
Which vehicle offers more practical storage space?
The smaller Ford Bronco Sport offers significantly more raw cargo capacity at 32.5 cu ft. Conversely, the physically larger Mazda CX-90 lists only 14.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
Are there significant differences in drivetrain configuration?
No, both vehicles utilize an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing identical foundational hardware for power delivery.
How does the physical footprint affect maneuverability?
The Bronco Sport is considerably more compact, measuring 172.7 inches long and 70.2 inches tall. The CX-90 is much longer at 200.8 inches, which may impact tight parking scenarios for daily commuters.
What is the MSRP difference influencing the value proposition?
The initial purchase price shows a $7,105 disparity, with the Ford starting at $31,695 and the Mazda starting at $38,800, heavily weighting the value verdict toward the Bronco Sport.
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