Ford
Bronco Sport
Mazda
CX-50
Ford Bronco Sport vs Mazda CX-50: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Ford Bronco Sport offers power, while the Mazda CX-50 excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Mazda CX-50 if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Bronco Sport
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its capability, styling, and daily practicality, and significant concerns regarding long-term reliability and specific powertrain components. The vehicle is frequently praised for its competent all-wheel-drive system, good ground clearance, and unique, rugged styling that appeals to buyers seeking a more adventurous image than a typical compact crossover. It is considered a capable vehicle for light off-roading, forestry roads, and winter conditions, especially in higher Badlands trim.
Best version to buy
Badlands trim: This is the overwhelmingly recommended version. Owners consistently advise selecting the Badlands trim specifically for its more powerful and preferred 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and the more advanced all-wheel-drive system with a torque-vectoring rear drive unit and a rear differential lock.
Known issues
- ⚠Water pump failure: Premature failure, often cited as a common issue, leading to coolant leaks and loss of heating. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Rear suspension component failure: Shock absorbers or other rear suspension parts leaking or failing prematurely, sometimes requiring multiple replacements. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transfer case / drivetrain failures: Reports of transfer case and rear differential failures requiring very expensive repairs (cited at ~$5,000 USD). Frequency: recurrent.
CX-50
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear distinction between powertrain choices. The CX-50 Hybrid is widely praised for its excellent fuel economy (38 MPG combined), strong acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds / 0-97 km/h), and the proven reliability of its Toyota-sourced hybrid drivetrain, which is considered "bulletproof." The gas-only models, particularly the Turbo variant, are acknowledged for being quick and fun to drive but are criticized for poor fuel economy and a harsh, uncomfortable ride. Significant and recurrent criticism is directed at the vehicle's build quality, fit-and-finish issues, and general reliability stemming from its Alabama, USA manufacturing plant, with multiple reports of various glitches, faults, and premature wear.
Best version to buy
CX-50 Hybrid (Premium or Premium Plus trims). The hybrid powertrain is overwhelmingly recommended for its combination of fuel efficiency, adequate power, and the exceptional reliability of the Toyota hybrid system.
Known issues
- ⚠Build quality and reliability concerns (Alabama plant): various glitches, fuel door failures, poor stitching on seats, fit-and-finish issues, general drop in quality compared to Japanese-built Mazdas. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Uncomfortable, firm ride quality: described as harsh, bumpy, and jarring over imperfections, especially in Turbo models and/or those with larger wheels. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Firm/uncomfortable seats: side bolsters described as very firm, potentially uncomfortable for wider occupants. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mazda CX-50 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ford Bronco Sport, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ford Bronco Sport is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Ford Bronco Sport or the Mazda CX-50?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Ford Bronco Sport and the Mazda CX-50. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Ford Bronco Sport or the Mazda CX-50?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Ford Bronco Sport or the Mazda CX-50?
The Mazda CX-50 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.4 L/100km combined versus 10.2 L/100km for the Ford Bronco Sport, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Bronco Sport or the Mazda CX-50?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Ford Bronco Sport than the Mazda CX-50. See the known issues comparison above.