2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport often boils down to whether you prioritize sleek on-road refinement or rugged, adventurous looks. The CX-50 starts slightly lower at an MSRP of $30,500 compared to the Bronco Sport's $31,845. Fuel economy is nearly a wash, though the Mazda edges out the Ford slightly with a combined 28 MPG versus 27 MPG, utilizing regular unleaded in both cases. Performance differences are minimal: the CX-50 offers 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, while the Bronco Sport counters with slightly more torque at 190 lb-ft but slightly less horsepower at 181 hp. The Mazda is the longer vehicle at 185.8 inches, which impacts maneuverability, but the taller Bronco Sport (70.2 inches high) offers better headroom and 32.5 cu ft of cargo space, slightly more than the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined MPG rating of 28 and sleeker, lower profile.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport takes the family edge with its substantially taller height (70.2 inches) and marginally larger 32.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 provides a slight edge in base power with 187 hp compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 offers better initial value starting at $30,500, which is $1,345 less than the Bronco Sport.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You want to save a little money upfront, as the CX-50 starts at $30,500.
- You prefer a slightly more fuel-efficient daily driver achieving 28 MPG combined.
- You appreciate a traditional, lower crossover stance (63.5 inches high) over an SUV look.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You frequently haul tall items or need maximum utility, benefiting from 32.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You value the smoother shifting characteristics provided by the 8-speed automatic transmission.
- You prefer a beefier, off-road aesthetic supported by its higher 70.2-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 172.7" |
| Width | 75.6" | 74.3" |
| Height | 63.5" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 105.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/31 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 397.5/492.9 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 16.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 55.2 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Sport.
Is one of these vehicles significantly better on gas for city driving?
The fuel economy is very close, but the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is rated for 25 MPG in the city, identical to the Bronco Sport's 25 MPG city rating, so there is no significant advantage.
How much does the transmission difference affect driving dynamics?
The Bronco Sport uses an 8-speed automatic transmission versus the CX-50's 6-speed, meaning the Ford likely offers smoother, more refined acceleration and potentially better highway cruising, even though both are shiftable automatics.
Which vehicle is better for tighter parking spots?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is notably shorter in length at 172.7 inches compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches, making the Bronco Sport easier to maneuver and fit into small spaces.
Do I need premium fuel for either model?
No, thankfully, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.
Is the extra torque in the Bronco Sport noticeable?
The Bronco Sport has 190 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the CX-50's 185 lb-ft, which might give the Ford a slight feeling of better low-end pulling power despite having less horsepower.
How does the AWD system capability compare based on these specs?
Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), indicating capability for varied weather, but neither spec sheet suggests one system is inherently more robust than the other for serious off-roading.
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