Bronco Sport vs CX-5
The Bronco Sport and the CX-5 sit in the same compact suv class, but Ford and Mazda don’t always agree on what matters most. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Bronco Sport | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 106.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if engine & performance was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. If engine & performance was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t space & practicality. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Bronco Sport’s and the CX-5’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Bronco Sport | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I3 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 180 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Bronco Sport | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 30 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Bronco Sport | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 30.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 59.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Bronco Sport | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Bronco Sport | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Bronco Sport | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 106.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Bronco Sport if…
- you’re comfortable with how Ford does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Bronco Sport or the CX-5?
It depends on your priorities: the Bronco Sport is stronger on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the CX-5 leads on the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Ford’s Bronco Sport versus Mazda’s CX-5.
Match the strength to your habits (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Bronco Sport, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the CX-5), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the Bronco Sport leaning toward the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the CX-5 toward the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.