2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the past with its modern retro design, reminiscent of the classic Bronco. It was a unibody crossover that combined rugged styling with everyday practicality, making it suitable for both urban commutes and weekend adventures. The vehicle featured a short front overhang for improved approach angles and tall fender wells for trail driving. Its bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with minimal Ford branding, gave it a distinctive look. The interior was rugged yet refined, with a focus on functionality, offering a range of seating options and storage solutions to suit different needs.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo embraced a sleek and sophisticated design with its shiny black accents and matte black cladding. It stood out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots with a higher stance and unique styling elements. The interior was driver-focused, featuring high-quality materials and a minimalist design that created a sense of spaciousness. The CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable driving experience with heated front seats and a well-positioned driver’s seat, although rear-seat space was limited. The cargo area was practical, though not as spacious as some competitors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, catering to different driving needs. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Badlands and First Edition trims featured a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes for various terrains. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on paved roads.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. It offered impressive torque, ranging from 310 to 320 pound-feet, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, with G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhancing handling. While it delivered a smooth and responsive driving experience, the CX-30 Turbo's added height and weight slightly compromised its handling compared to the Mazda3. However, its Off-Road mode and additional ground clearance made it capable of handling light off-road conditions.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active lifestyles in mind, offering a cargo space capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It featured over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 150 pounds. The cargo area included clever features like a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. While the front seats provided excellent support, the rear seats were cramped for adults. The cabin's minimalist design and high-quality materials created a sense of spaciousness, though storage space was limited. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM capability, along with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system provided multiple drive modes, and trail control technology assisted in off-road driving. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on most trims, along with a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While it required acclimation, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mazda Connected Services included remote engine start and a vehicle finder function. Premium trims featured a Bose audio system, navigation, and a head-up display. The system's design ensured proper speaker placement, enhancing audio quality, while the head-up display provided useful driving information.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. However, crash-worthiness ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with i-ActiveSense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control and a rear automatic braking system. Premium trims added an adaptive front lighting system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30 Turbo also featured a mobile 9-1-1 emergency notification system.