2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2025 Ford Bronco Sport

Compact SUVs continue to attract drivers who want flexibility, safety, and comfort for both short trips and weekend escapes. Two strong choices in this category for 2025 are the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford Bronco Sport. Each brings its own appeal, whether that's refined everyday driving or rugged off-road capability.

Understanding how these two models compare across design, technology, and performance can help shoppers decide which one better suits their lifestyle and driving habits.

Design & Style

Mazda takes a clean and thoughtful approach with the CX-5. Sculpted body panels, a sloping roofline, and carefully placed accents reflect a polished aesthetic. Higher trims add satin chrome detailing and larger wheels, while the overall profile remains sleek and unified across the lineup.

Ford takes a different direction with the Bronco Sport. A boxy silhouette, upright proportions, and functional touches like roof-mounted rails and tow hooks emphasize its trail-readiness. Even with recent styling tweaks, its design remains more utility-focused, with an emphasis on adventure over refinement. While both offer functional cargo areas and flexible layouts, the interior fit-and-finish in the CX-5 leans more toward premium.

Technology & Safety

Mazda prioritizes simplicity and clarity with its infotainment setup. A wide 10.25-inch display sits high on the dashboard, operated via a central dial, and comes paired with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reliable suite of driver assistance tools. Lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and blind spot monitoring come standard, with higher trims adding a 360° view monitor and traffic sign recognition.

Ford updates its Bronco Sport for 2025 with a larger touchscreen and a reworked digital gauge cluster. The SYNC 4 system adds faster response and better menu navigation. Rear tow hook visibility and camera enhancements improve trail maneuvering, especially in rugged conditions. While safety tech is present across all trims, some features are limited to higher models, and the user interface may take some learning for new drivers.

Performance

Driving the CX-5 feels composed and controlled in nearly all conditions. Its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides 187 horsepower, while a turbocharged version delivers up to 256 horsepower with premium fuel. Each trim includes all-wheel drive, offering strong grip during bad weather or on uneven roads. The suspension tuning favors smoothness without giving up cornering confidence.

Ford equips the Bronco Sport with a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 181 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbo engine offering 245 horsepower on its Badlands trim. Its 8-speed automatic is well-matched to off-road demands, and the higher trims include off-road suspension, a twin-clutch rear drive unit, and terrain modes. Although well-suited for rougher paths, the Bronco Sport delivers a firmer and noisier ride on pavement compared to its Mazda competitor.

The Bottom Line

Buyers who want a quiet, refined drive paired with upscale materials may find the CX-5 more satisfying. It balances comfort, sharp design, and smart technology in a way that feels consistent across trims. Fuel economy, daily drivability, and ride quality all rank high for drivers who spend most of their time on paved roads.

For those who prioritize trail access, utility features, and outdoor gear hauling, the Bronco Sport might be a better fit. It brings solid hardware and off-road capability, though it does sacrifice some comfort and sophistication to get there. Overall, both vehicles serve different types of drivers well, but one offers a more refined experience for the road-focused lifestyle.

Schedule a Test Drive Today

Interested in trying the 2025 CX-5 in person? Let us help you experience its comfort, power, and technology firsthand with a no-pressure test drive. At Riley Mazda, we'll walk you through your options and help you find the trim that suits your needs best.

Our support continues long after the purchase. We offer full maintenance and repair services through our certified Mazda service center, including oil changes, tire care, and scheduled checkups. Visit us online or call to set up your test drive and explore how the CX-5 can fit into your daily life.