2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Ford Bronco

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 its top-tier status with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised fins helped with cargo securing and obstacle navigation. 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 was more about durability than luxury, with sturdy handholds and practical storage options.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, elevated Mazda's design and material quality to near-luxury levels, surpassing competitors like Honda and Toyota. Its elegant design, inspired by smaller Mazda models, was supersized into an imposing SUV stretching over 200 inches. The CX-90's exterior featured a big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels, complemented by tasteful chrome trim. Inside, top-shelf models boasted interiors that could rival luxury brands, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic. The CX-90 was available in 11 trims across three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a high-performance Turbo S. The interior design was stylish and comfortable, with a range of seating configurations and thoughtful storage solutions, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and practicality.

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, making them capable off-roaders. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's power was exhilarating, albeit excessive for most needs. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with better highway tracking and a quieter interior. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, though it felt more confident than expected.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S version increased output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. All CX-90 models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Turbo S offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with noticeable differences in performance. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 26 miles. Both models handled corners brilliantly, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile steering, making the CX-90 feel nimble despite its size.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats and more cargo capacity. The two-door Bronco had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones, along with accessory rails for cameras or GPS devices. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the easily removable fenders and doors, enhancing the Bronco's versatility.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with lower trims seating eight passengers and mid-level trims featuring captain's chairs. The Turbo S had a two-seat third row, with cargo space measuring 75.2 cubic feet in those models. Models with a three-across back seat offered 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 74.2 cubic feet with all rows folded. While the CX-90 improved on the CX-9's cargo space, it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot. The interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, providing a comfortable and stylish environment.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. drive modes that optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Off-road novices benefited from features like transfer case gearing and sway-bar disconnects, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select settings. The Bronco's camera views were invaluable in tight spots, with predictive lines aiding navigation. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch infotainment touchscreen for ease of use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, using hard buttons and a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the setup proved frustrating with its quirks. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that adjusted settings based on facial recognition, improving convenience for multiple drivers. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls available for these systems. The CX-90's technology aimed to balance safety and convenience, though it faced challenges in execution.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests, except for head restraints and seats, which received an "Acceptable" rating. 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, though the Bronco lagged behind conventional SUVs in standard safety equipment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features like lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist enhanced safety. The CX-90's top-spec model included cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver support system. While the CX-90 hadn't been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well, given the CX-9's strong safety ratings.