Most compact SUVs have a modicum of off-road capacity. And some others are made for extra relating to off-pavement adventuring. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport are two such examples. Every has the on a regular basis usefulness and commuter-friendly manners that consumers search in an odd compact SUV, however these two even have normal all-wheel drive, off-road driving modes, and enhanced floor clearance to take you farther off the crushed path.
Right here’s how these two adventure-minded compact SUVs evaluate.
2025 Mazda CX-50
Mazda made a reputation for itself constructing vehicles and SUVs that deal with with extra athleticism than most similarly-priced autos. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is one thing slightly totally different. It’s comparable in dimension to its long-running sibling, the CX-5, however the CX-50 is the extra rugged and bolder of the 2. This yr the CX-50 will get even higher with further security options, extra tech integration with Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the introduction of the CX-50 Hybrid. Pricing begins at $31,720, together with vacation spot price.
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
Twin-natured manners: For those who’ve ever pushed a Mazda, you recognize they’re, properly, enjoyable. Athletic manners have been a Mazda attribute for many years. Although the CX-50 has extra off-road capacity, that doesn’t come at the price of participating on-road manners. Go for the turbo engine, and also you’ll get much more kicks.
It’s nonetheless trendy: Most producers that construct an off-road-ready SUV exit of their approach to make it appear to be it’s itching to get again within the mud. Not everybody desires that. The CX-50 seems at dwelling within the workplace car parking zone however can get soiled with the perfect of them.
Accessible Site visitors Jam Help: Driving in site visitors is tiring. Mazda’s out there Site visitors Jam Help system might help. It assists with steering, accelerating, and braking to carry your house in site visitors underneath 40 mph.
Test this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the CX-50 fashions on the market close to you
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Ford makes two SUVs with the Bronco title. The one simply referred to as Bronco is an off-road beast however won’t be your first alternative for easy commuting. The Bronco Sport is the one we’re shining a light-weight on right here. It’s the smaller of the 2 and has way more snug and quiet highway manners, but it nonetheless has the type of off-road chops that allow it to put on the Bronco title. For 2025, the Bronco Sport dials up its dirt-ready credentials with the introduction of the Sasquatch bundle, and all fashions profit from an ordinary 13.2-inch touchscreen show. Costs begin at $31,590, together with vacation spot price.
Ford Bronco Sport Highlights
Numerous expressive particular editions: The Bronco Sport would be the small SUV with probably the most visible selection. You will get one in pretty staid colours in the event you don’t need to stand out. For those who do need to stand out, you may get the Free Wheeling version, with its Seventies-style sundown gradient stripes, or the Heritage Version, with its old-school white grille and purple lettering. Mazda has nothing prefer it. No different producer has something prefer it.
Sasquatch bundle: This title was first used on its Bronco massive brother, and now the Bronco Sport is offered with it. This bundle means elevated trip peak, upgraded suspension, metal underbody bash plates, restoration hooks, and a dual-clutch torque-vectoring rear drive unit. Additionally, it seems actually cool.
Comfy for taller drivers: The Bronco Sport is among the many roomiest fashions in its class. Its exterior dimensions are smaller than these of the CX-50, however you get extra headroom, legroom, and shoulder room within the seat that’s all the time occupied.
Test this week’s Truthful Buy Worth or see the Bronco Sport fashions on the market close to you
Similarities
These can each hit the highway and the path, provide comparable mpg, and are lined by nearly an identical warranties.
Conclusion
There’s a raft of decisions relating to 2-row/5-passenger compact SUVs. However only some have the flexibility and intent for going off highway. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 and Ford Bronco Sport have been made to function each every day driver and weekend warrior.
The CX-50 brings a extra refined fashion, higher highway manners, and now the selection of a hybrid powertrain. If you wish to take pleasure in driving on the pavement primarily, it’s the higher alternative. However the Bronco Sport, whereas a bit truck-like in dealing with, can go locations the CX-50 can’t. It’s additionally out there in a implausible array of types and solely improves with the Sasquatch bundle.
Specs
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 | 2025 Ford Bronco Sport | |
| Beginning Worth | $31,720 | $31,590 |
| Standard Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated | 8-speed automated |
| Gas Financial system | 24 metropolis/31 freeway/27 mixed mpg | 25 metropolis/28 freeway/26 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Accessible | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder; hybrid | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Primary Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Security | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 105.1 inches |
| General Size | 185.8 inches | 172.7 inches |
| Width | 72.9 inches | 76.3 inches |
| Top | 63.5 inches | 70.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 ft | 37.4 ft |
| Headroom, Entrance | 39.1 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.7 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.8 inches | 36.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.9 inches | 57.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 31.4/56.3 cubic ft | 32.5/65.2 cubic ft |
