2026 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
Deciding between rugged capability and refined efficiency is the big challenge when comparing the 2026 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Mazda CX-90. If your priority is maximum off-road readiness, the Bronco stands ready with its standard 300 hp and robust four-wheel drive system, even if its size is more compact at 173.7 inches long. Conversely, the Mazda CX-90 leans heavily into family usability, boasting a much longer 200.8-inch body and superior fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19 combined MPG. While the Mazda has slightly less standard horsepower at 280 hp, it offers 332 lb-ft of torque—slightly beating the Bronco's 325 lb-ft—and runs on cheaper regular unleaded fuel. The entry price point also favors the CX-90 at $38,800 compared to the Bronco’s $40,495, signaling a clear divergence in purpose: adventure versus practical daily driving.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-90
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its significantly better 25 combined MPG compared to the Bronco's 19 combined MPG.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is the better family hauler because it is 37 inches longer, offering more overall space, despite having slightly less cargo room at 14.9 cu ft versus the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Ford Bronco appeals more to enthusiasts with its dedicated 7-speed manual transmission and standard four-wheel drive.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 presents better value starting at $38,800, which is lower than the Bronco's $40,495 MSRP.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You specifically require a 7-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience.
- You prioritize extreme ruggedness with standard four-wheel drive for difficult terrain.
- You prefer a shorter vehicle (173.7 inches long) that might be easier to maneuver in tight off-road situations.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- Fuel economy is critical, as the CX-90 achieves 25 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19 combined MPG.
- You need the lowest possible running costs since it uses regular unleaded fuel while the Bronco recommends premium.
- You need the absolute most room, evidenced by its 200.8-inch length, making it substantially longer than the Bronco.
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 2026 Ford Bronco and 2026 Mazda CX-90.
Which vehicle handles highway driving better?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is likely the better highway cruiser. Its automatic transmission and 28 highway MPG offer a smoother, more efficient long-distance experience compared to the Bronco's 21 highway MPG and manual gearbox.
Does the Bronco's smaller size affect interior space?
Yes, the Bronco's length of 173.7 inches means it sacrifices overall footprint compared to the CX-90 (200.8 inches). However, the Bronco surprisingly lists more dedicated cargo capacity at 20.6 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.
Is the power difference between the two significant?
The horsepower difference is minimal, with the Bronco offering 300 hp versus the CX-90's 280 hp. However, the Mazda pulls ahead slightly in torque, generating 332 lb-ft to the Bronco's 325 lb-ft.
What is the major cost implication regarding fuel?
The CX-90 saves money long-term as it runs on regular unleaded fuel, while the Bronco specifies premium unleaded fuel is recommended, increasing the cost per fill-up.
Which one is easier to park and navigate in the city?
Given its smaller dimensions, particularly its 173.7-inch length and 71.9-inch height, the 2026 Ford Bronco is generally easier to pilot and park in dense urban environments than the wider and significantly longer CX-90.
How does the driving hardware compare (4WD vs AWD)?
The Bronco comes standard with a true four-wheel drive system, built for more demanding off-roading scenarios, whereas the CX-90 utilizes an all-wheel drive system that focuses more on traction control during inclement weather.
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