2025 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$38,995 · SUV

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

So, you're torn between rugged capability and refined daily driving? Choosing between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 boils down to prioritizing adventure over efficiency. The Bronco offers a spirited 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired standard with a unique 7-speed manual transmission, ideal for true off-road engagement. However, this fun comes at a cost: its combined fuel economy sits at 19 MPG, requiring recommended premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the CX-90 boasts better efficiency at 25 MPG combined, running happily on regular unleaded, while still putting down a competitive 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The CX-90 is significantly larger at 200.8 inches long, offering a more substantial highway presence compared to the Bronco's 173.7-inch footprint, making the decision often come down to where you spend most of your driving time.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined efficiency versus the Bronco's 19 MPG, easing weekly fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The longer 200.8-inch Mazda CX-90 likely offers a more comfortable family ride and potentially more interior room, despite having slightly less quoted cargo space at 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco appeals to enthusiasts with its standard 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and engaging 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides better fuel economics (25 MPG combined vs. 19 MPG) and uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel, leading to lower running costs despite a similar initial MSRP of $38,045.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You specifically want the engagement of a standard 7-speed manual transmission.
Your driving involves frequent off-roading, where the four-wheel drive system and robust dimensions are beneficial.
You prefer the tighter dimensions of a 173.7-inch vehicle for navigating tight trails or city parking.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Fuel efficiency is critical, as the CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.
You prioritize long-distance comfort with a larger 200.8-inch body and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
You want to avoid the extra expense of the Bronco's recommended premium unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Mazda CX-90
Length	173.7"	200.8"
Width	75.9"	78.5"
Height	71.9"	68.2"
Wheelbase	100.4"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	2	3
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5700 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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	7-speed manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Part Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	—
Wheel Diameter	16 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/70R16	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

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 and 2025 Mazda CX-90.

How much more expensive is the Bronco to run day-to-day?

The Ford Bronco is notably more expensive to fuel, achieving only 19 MPG combined while recommending premium fuel. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 delivers 25 MPG combined and runs efficiently on regular unleaded, offering significant savings over the long term.

Which vehicle has more horsepower for highway passing?

The 2025 Ford Bronco has a slight edge in pure power, producing 300 hp compared to the Mazda CX-90's 280 hp. However, the CX-90 counters with slightly more torque at 332 lb-ft versus the Bronco's 325 lb-ft.

Is the Mazda CX-90 actually bigger than the Ford Bronco?

Yes, the CX-90 is substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Bronco's 173.7 inches. While the CX-90 is a longer crossover, the Bronco is notably taller at 71.9 inches, giving it a more imposing stance.

Which car is better if I need the maximum possible cargo space?

Despite being a significantly shorter vehicle overall, the 2025 Ford Bronco actually offers more quoted primary cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet versus the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

How do the driving dynamics differ between the manual Bronco and the automatic CX-90?

The Bronco comes standard with a 7-speed manual transmission, perfect for drivers who love shifting their own gears. The CX-90 offers a smoother, automated experience with its 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, generally preferred for relaxed daily commuting.

Are the initial prices very different?

No, the starting MSRPs are quite similar; the Bronco lists at $38,995 while the CX-90 starts at $38,045. The primary cost differences emerge quickly based on fuel type and efficiency differences.