2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the polished, road-focused 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the rugged, adventurous 2026 Ford Bronco presents a classic dilemma: daily refinement versus weekend capability. The CX-90 starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $38,045 and delivers superior daily running costs with a combined 25 MPG, significantly better than the Bronco's 19 MPG. While the Bronco boasts more power with 300 horsepower versus the Mazda's 280 hp, the CX-90 counters with better torque at 332 lb-ft compared to the Bronco's 325 lb-ft, both running on regular unleaded. Measuring 200.8 inches long, the CX-90 offers more interior length than the 173.7-inch Bronco, though the Bronco provides more ultimate vertical cargo space at 20.6 cu ft versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft, showcasing their distinctly different priorities for suburban tasks versus trail exploration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 wins for commuting due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is likely better for daily family duties because it uses regular unleaded fuel, unlike the Bronco's premium recommendation, and offers a smoother AWD ride.
2026 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 300 horsepower output and the engaging experience of a 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 offers better overall value by starting $2,450 cheaper and providing significantly better fuel efficiency, leading to lower running costs.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined, beating the Bronco by 6 MPG.
- You want a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $38,045.
- You prefer the refined driving dynamics and standard All-Wheel Drive of a crossover.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You want maximum cargo space, as the Bronco offers 20.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.
- You seek the thrill of a 7-speed manual transmission.
- You need the taller stance provided by the Bronco's 71.9-inch height for off-road clearance.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 173.7" |
| Width | 78.5" | 75.9" |
| Height | 68.2" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/28 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three 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 (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
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-90 and 2026 Ford Bronco.
How much more fuel efficient is the Mazda CX-90 than the Ford Bronco?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is noticeably more economical, delivering 25 MPG combined while the 2026 Ford Bronco manages only 19 MPG combined. This 6 MPG difference will translate to fewer trips to the pump over a year of driving.
Does the Bronco require expensive gasoline?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Bronco recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Mazda CX-90 is designed to run efficiently on less expensive regular unleaded. This impacts the long-term cost of ownership significantly.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The Mazda CX-90 is longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Bronco's 173.7 inches, suggesting more passenger room overall. However, the Bronco is significantly taller at 71.9 inches, offering better headroom or ground clearance.
What is the horsepower and torque comparison?
The Bronco has a slight edge in peak power with 300 horsepower, but the CX-90 actually leads in torque, putting down 332 lb-ft versus the Bronco's 325 lb-ft. The Mazda's torque delivery is optimized for its 8-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is better for true off-roading?
The 2026 Ford Bronco, with its 4WD system and higher stance, is clearly designed for more rugged terrain than the AWD-focused Mazda CX-90.
Are the transmissions comparable?
No, they are quite different; the CX-90 uses a standard 8-speed automatic optimized for smoothness, while the Bronco offers a unique 7-speed manual transmission for drivers who prefer full control.
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