2023 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped secure cargo and provided better vehicle corner awareness. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with some creaking over bumps, but it was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized broad-shouldered proportions and square wheel arches. It was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition enhancing its active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The CX-50's earthy color palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its appeal. Inside, the infotainment screen sat on a shelf, and material quality was impressive for a non-luxury brand. However, the CX-50 didn't fully meet Mazda's upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models. The interior design was sensible, with adequate storage space, but the tech interface felt dated, lacking the excitement of more advanced systems.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most drivers, while the Raptor's power was excessive but thrilling. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but it felt confident overall. The four-door model was easier to maneuver, aided by several cameras.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Overall, the CX-50 was well-mannered but lacked the engaging drive of the CX-5.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with more room in the four-door model for passengers. The two-door required some effort to access the rear seats. Up front, there were plenty of storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door provided 35.6 cubic feet, increasing to 77.6 cubic feet. The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. The CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, but a power liftgate improved access. The cargo area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the roof platform was high for shorter users. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the center console.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes for various terrains, optimizing engine and suspension settings for off-road novices. Experienced off-roaders could manually select features like transfer case gearing and sway-bar disconnects. Camera views were invaluable in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford’s SYNC 4. Most models had an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was unconventional but provided physical feedback. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial NHTSA ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" score in most crash tests, except for head restraints and seats, which were "Acceptable." Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and more. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick, with "Good" scores in crash tests and "Superior" front-crash prevention in the vehicle-to-pedestrian daytime test. It received a five-star frontal crash-test rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional features included rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.