2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, serving as a smaller sibling to the rugged Bronco. It featured a modern retro design reminiscent of the classic Bronco, with a unibody construction aimed at suburban drivers who also enjoyed weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport's exterior boasted short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body, making it trail-ready. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with various wheel options, added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a tastefully rugged interior with an uncluttered design, convenient storage cubbies, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim varied from cloth seats to leather-trimmed, heated sport-contour bucket seats, with a smart progression in materials and features across different models.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, featured subtle yet significant updates. New LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs gave it a refreshed look. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints. The driving position was sportier, and the interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for added comfort.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims came with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, it offered good manners, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a better match for its character.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD contributed to a fuel economy of 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while regular gas resulted in 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo model also had the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were significantly improved, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) drive modes and increased structural rigidity enhanced its performance, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered over 100 factory and aftermarket accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could hold up to 150 pounds (100 with a moonroof), and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds, while the 1.5-liter engine could tow 2,000 pounds. The cargo hold featured a flip-up rear glass, an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin had ample storage compartments, but taller drivers might find outward visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel added to its comfort. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout, particularly the Mazda Connect infotainment system, was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small bin under the center armrest and wireless smartphone charging. The cargo space offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive compared to mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offered Ford+Alexa, SiriusXM capability, and FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The base audio system was a six-speaker AM/FM stereo, with a Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. The terrain management system included five drive modes on Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and seven modes on Badlands and First Edition models. Trail control technology provided a cruise-control-like feature for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels, and a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the infotainment system required acclimation, it eventually became manageable for users.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, and road-sign recognition. Trailer sway control was available with the tow package. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes. Crash-worthiness ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 included the i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems as standard. This package featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a driver monitoring system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The head-up display showed blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS, making it one of the safest options in its class.