2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Comparison

Most compact SUVs have a modicum of off-road ability. And a few others are made for more when it comes to off-pavement adventuring. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport are two such examples. Each has the everyday usefulness and commuter-friendly manners that buyers seek in an ordinary compact SUV, but these two also have standard all-wheel drive, off-road driving modes, and enhanced ground clearance to take you farther off the beaten path.

Here’s how these two adventure-minded compact SUVs compare.

2025 Mazda CX-50

Mazda made a name for itself building cars and SUVs that handle with more athleticism than most similarly-priced vehicles. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is something a little different. It is similar in size to its long-running sibling, the CX-5, but the CX-50 is the more rugged and bolder of the two. This year the CX-50 gets even better with additional safety features, more tech integration with Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the introduction of the CX-50 Hybrid. Pricing starts at $31,720, including destination fee.

Mazda CX-50 Highlights

Dual-natured manners: If you’ve ever driven a Mazda, you know they’re, well, fun. Athletic manners have been a Mazda attribute for decades. Even though the CX-50 has more off-road ability, that doesn’t come at the cost of engaging on-road manners. Opt for the turbo engine, and you’ll get even more kicks.

It’s still stylish: Most manufacturers that build an off-road-ready SUV go out of their way to make it look like it’s itching to get back in the mud. Not everyone wants that. The CX-50 looks at home in the office parking lot but can get dirty with the best of them.

Available Traffic Jam Assist: Driving in traffic is tiring. Mazda’s available Traffic Jam Assist system can help. It assists with steering, accelerating, and braking to hold your place in traffic under 40 mph.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-50 models for sale near you

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

Ford makes two SUVs with the Bronco name. The one just called Bronco is an off-road beast but might not be your first choice for simple commuting. The Bronco Sport is the one we’re shining a light on here. It’s the smaller of the two and has far more comfortable and quiet road manners, yet it still has the kind of off-road chops that enable it to wear the Bronco name. For 2025, the Bronco Sport dials up its dirt-ready credentials with the introduction of the Sasquatch package, and all models benefit from a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen display. Prices start at $31,590, including destination fee.

Ford Bronco Sport Highlights

Lots of expressive special editions: The Bronco Sport may be the small SUV with the most visual variety. You can get one in fairly staid colors if you don’t want to stand out. If you do want to stand out, you can get the Free Wheeling edition, with its 1970s-style sunset gradient stripes, or the Heritage Edition, with its old-school white grille and red lettering. Mazda has nothing like it. No other manufacturer has anything like it.

Sasquatch package: This name was first used on its Bronco big brother, and now the Bronco Sport is available with it. This package means increased ride height, upgraded suspension, steel underbody bash plates, recovery hooks, and a dual-clutch torque-vectoring rear drive unit. Also, it looks really cool.

Comfortable for taller drivers: The Bronco Sport is among the roomiest models in its class. Its exterior dimensions are smaller than those of the CX-50, but you get more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the seat that’s always occupied.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Bronco Sport models for sale near you

Similarities

These can both hit the road and the trail, offer similar mpg, and are covered by almost identical warranties.

Conclusion

There’s a raft of choices when it comes to 2-row/5-passenger compact SUVs. But only a few have the ability and intent for going off road. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and Ford Bronco Sport were made to serve as both daily driver and weekend warrior.

The CX-50 brings a more refined style, better road manners, and now the choice of a hybrid powertrain. If you want to enjoy driving on the pavement primarily, it’s the better choice. But the Bronco Sport, while a bit truck-like in handling, can go places the CX-50 can’t. It’s also available in a fantastic array of styles and only improves with the Sasquatch package.

Specs