2024 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its modern and appealing design, which had aged well since the second-generation model debuted in 2017. The new Carbon Turbo trim, featuring Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, added a fresh touch to the lineup. Mazda also introduced improvements such as enhanced fuel economy for the base engine, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The CX-5 offered a range of trims with prices starting at $29,300, and the Turbo models ranged from $37,000 to $40,600. The interior upgrades over the years resulted in an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, with the two-door model capturing the essence more successfully than the four-door. The Sasquatch Package, a popular upgrade, added a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, enhancing the Bronco's rugged appearance. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, with prices ranging from $41,525 to $71,580, and the Raptor model priced at $91,930. The test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim with the Sasquatch Package, had an MSRP of $55,415. The Bronco's interior, though not as refined as some competitors, provided a unique and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 horsepower with premium gas and 227 horsepower with regular gas, offering a satisfying driving experience when the powertrain was allowed to build revs. However, its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving and an observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's suspension improvements and standard all-wheel drive contributed to a smooth and responsive ride, with excellent visibility and confident handling. It offered a decent 7.9 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend featured a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine delivered 330 horsepower, while the Raptor's 3.0-liter V6 offered 418 horsepower. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system and various off-roading technologies, such as Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, its fuel efficiency was lacking, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving and an observed 16.9 mpg. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions but was less refined on highways.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered comfortable and supportive heated front seats, with leather upholstery standard on most trims. The interior, though smaller than some competitors, provided a snug yet comfortable space for four adults. The rear seat offered good support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest. The CX-5's cabin design and quality elevated it above many mass-market rivals, with 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, available in two-door and four-door configurations, provided ample space for four adults. The four-door model felt roomier than its primary rival, the Jeep Wrangler, and offered more cargo space. The Bronco's marine-grade vinyl upholstery, while durable, trapped moisture, making cloth seats a preferable option. The two-door model offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door model provided 38.3 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 83 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch display with traditional switchgear for various controls. While Mazda's approach to infotainment was less touchscreen-focused, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims. The system included a large knob for navigation and quick access buttons, though the native voice interface was less intuitive than smartphone assistants. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The Carbon Turbo trim included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and a seven-speaker stereo. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco's Sync 4 technology had some connectivity issues, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information. The 8-inch digital instrumentation panel required a short learning curve, and the steering wheel controls could be distracting.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, it did not earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2024.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Bronco's safety systems operated as expected, though the lane-keep assist system was less favored. The Bronco four-door received favorable ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance, and had a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA.