2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$38,995 · SUV

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is fuel economy, with the CX-90 achieving 25 MPG combined against the Bronco's 19 MPG combined, a difference of 6 MPG. Pricing is nearly identical, with the CX-90 ($38,800 MSRP) being only $195 cheaper than the Bronco ($38,995 MSRP). Performance metrics show the Bronco leading in raw output with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-90's 280 hp, despite the CX-90 claiming superior torque at 332 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Bronco is significantly shorter at 173.7 inches versus the CX-90's 200.8 inches, though the Bronco offers more primary cargo space at 20.6 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the Bronco mandates premium fuel for its output, whereas the CX-90 operates on regular unleaded.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG highway versus the Bronco's 21 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches, suggesting a more conventionally spacious family cabin experience compared to the shorter Bronco.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Ford Bronco appeals more to driving purists with its 300 hp, 325 lb-ft, four-wheel drive setup, and mandatory 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers a compelling value proposition by providing 6 better MPG combined and utilizing regular unleaded fuel at a slightly lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

Maximum primary cargo volume is necessary, as the Bronco provides 20.6 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
A dedicated off-road geometry and four-wheel drive system with a 7-speed manual transmission are prioritized.
A higher peak horsepower figure of 300 hp is desired, even if it requires premium fuel.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Operating costs are critical, as the CX-90 achieves 25 combined MPG and uses regular unleaded fuel.
The driver prefers an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a manual gearbox.
A vehicle length of 200.8 inches is preferred for on-road stability over the Bronco's 173.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Mazda CX-90
Length	173.7"	200.8"
Width	75.9"	78.5"
Height	71.9"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

What is the operational fuel cost difference between these two vehicles?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers a significant operational advantage, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG combined. Furthermore, the CX-90 runs on regular unleaded, while the Bronco recommends premium, adding to the Bronco's running cost.

Which vehicle is better for off-road capability based on the specifications provided?

The 2025 Ford Bronco is inherently positioned for off-roading with its standard four-wheel drive system and 7-speed manual transmission. The CX-90 features all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, making it optimized for road conditions.

How do the physical dimensions impact interior space?

While the CX-90 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches, the Bronco maintains greater dedicated cargo capacity at 20.6 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. The CX-90 is also notably lower in height at 68.3 inches compared to the Bronco's 71.9 inches.

Is the performance output significantly different between the two models?

The Bronco produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, beating the CX-90’s 280 hp, although the CX-90 has slightly more torque at 332 lb-ft. The Bronco's transmission is limited to a 7-speed manual, while the CX-90 uses an 8-speed automatic.

Given the similar MSRPs, what accounts for the value difference?

The value assessment leans toward the CX-90 due to lower long-term operating expenses derived from superior fuel economy (6 MPG better combined) and the requirement for regular unleaded fuel versus the Bronco's premium recommendation.

How wide are these vehicles, and does it impact maneuverability?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is slightly wider at 78.5 inches compared to the Bronco's 75.9 inches. This minimal width difference, combined with the Bronco's 26.9-inch shorter length, suggests the Bronco might possess better maneuverability in tight urban spaces.