2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Ford Bronco is the $9,995 MSRP gap, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 versus the Bronco's $40,495. This pricing difference reflects significant mechanical disparity: the Bronco delivers a substantial 113 additional horsepower (300 hp vs. 187 hp) and 140 lb-ft more torque (325 lb-ft vs. 185 lb-ft), supporting its more aggressive, off-road focused nature. Conversely, the CX-50 excels in daily efficiency, achieving a 28 MPG combined rating compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG combined, requiring regular unleaded fuel versus the Bronco's recommended premium. Furthermore, the CX-50 offers superior utility space with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, notably more than the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft. Dimensionally, the Bronco is significantly taller at 71.9 inches compared to the CX-50's 63.5 inches, indicating a fundamental difference in design purpose.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 wins due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and its use of regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 provides 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, offering 10.8 more cubic feet than the Bronco for family hauling needs.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Ford Bronco offers substantially higher performance metrics with 300 hp and a 7-speed manual transmission option.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 offers AWD and strong efficiency for $9,995 less than the entry price of the Bronco.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Your budget mandates a lower initial investment, with an MSRP starting at $30,500.
- Fuel economy is a priority, evidenced by its 28 MPG combined rating.
- You prioritize maximum storage, utilizing the 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- High output performance is desired, reflected by its 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- You require a more rugged stance and ground clearance indicated by its 71.9-inch height.
- A manual transmission experience is preferred over the CX-50's 6-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 173.7" |
| Width | 75.6" | 75.9" |
| Height | 63.5" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Ford Bronco.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the CX-50 and the Bronco?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 produces 187 horsepower from its standard engine, while the 2026 Ford Bronco boasts 300 horsepower, a difference of 113 hp. Furthermore, the Bronco provides a 7-speed manual transmission option, whereas the CX-50 exclusively uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic.
How significantly does the fuel consumption differ between these two models?
The CX-50 is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 28 MPG using regular unleaded fuel. In contrast, the Bronco is rated at 19 MPG combined and recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.
Which vehicle offers more utility space for cargo?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2026 Ford Bronco provides considerably less usable space at 20.6 cubic feet.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco much larger than the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
While both are categorized differently, the Bronco is taller by 8.4 inches (71.9 inches vs. 63.5 inches) but actually slightly shorter in overall length at 173.7 inches compared to the CX-50’s 185.8 inches.
How large is the initial purchase price discrepancy?
There is a substantial $9,995 difference in starting MSRP; the CX-50 begins at $30,500, while the Bronco starts at $40,495.
Do both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive capability?
Yes, both offer enhanced traction systems, though they are marketed differently; the CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and the Bronco features Four-Wheel Drive (4WD).
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