2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The age-old question when shopping for a compact SUV is balancing rugged capability against refined family space, and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport ($31,845 MSRP) versus the 2026 Mazda CX-90 ($38,800 MSRP) highlights this perfectly. You immediately notice a $6,955 gulf in entry price, which is significant. The CX-90 offers vastly superior performance, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. However, the Bronco Sport maintains better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG versus the Mazda’s 25 combined MPG, using regular unleaded in both cases. Size matters too: the CX-90 is substantially longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches, although the Bronco surprisingly offers more than double the primary cargo space at 32.5 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport wins for commuting due to its slightly better 25/30 MPG rating and lower entry price.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The significantly longer 200.8-inch length of the CX-90 suggests more room for family occupants, despite its smaller stated cargo capacity.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 dominates in performance metrics, delivering an extra 99 horsepower and significantly higher torque figures.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport wins on initial value by costing $6,955 less while still providing functional AWD and strong utility.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You prioritize maximizing storage, as the Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Keeping the purchase price low is crucial, starting at $31,845.
- You want slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 30 highway MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- Performance is paramount, evidenced by its 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque output.
- You need the length of a true three-row vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches long.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance at 70.2 inches for better ground clearance visibility.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.3" | 78.5" |
| Height | 70.2" | 68.3" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 425.5/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
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 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Is the performance difference between the two SUVs noticeable in daily driving?
Absolutely; the CX-90 has 280 hp, which is nearly 100 hp more than the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp. This 99 hp difference, coupled with 332 lb-ft of torque, means the Mazda will feel much quicker accelerating onto highways.
Which vehicle is better suited for hauling bulky items given the cargo specs?
Despite being smaller overall, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner for dedicated cargo hauling. It lists 32.5 cu ft of space, which is more than double the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft.
Since both use AWD and regular unleaded, what separates their fuel economy?
The Bronco Sport is more frugal, achieving a combined 27 MPG (25 city/30 highway). The more powerful CX-90 is rated slightly lower at 25 combined MPG (23 city/28 highway).
How significant is the size difference for city parking?
The Bronco Sport is significantly more manageable at 172.7 inches long and 74.3 inches wide. The CX-90 is substantially larger, stretching over 200 inches in length and 78.5 inches wide.
Considering the $6,955 price gap, where does the extra money go in the CX-90?
The increased MSRP of the CX-90 largely covers the massive jump in power output and likely contributes to its longer body structure, providing a larger passenger area, even if its base cargo volume is smaller.
Are either of these vehicles significantly taller than the other?
Yes, the Bronco Sport has a noticeably higher roofline, standing at 70.2 inches tall, whereas the more streamlined CX-90 sits lower at 68.3 inches.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool