2024 Ford Escape vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5 Review

Picture of the 2024 Ford Escape

2024 Ford
Escape

MSRP*: $28,000 to $39,610
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Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-5

2025 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $28,570 to $40,600
See details & photos

Find Your Best Price Today!

MPG - City 26 - 42 MPG 22 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 32 - 36 MPG 27 - 30 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 60.8 - 65.4 ft3 58.1 ft3
Engine
  • 163-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
  • 180-hp, 1.5-liter, 3 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 192-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
  • 250-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic, Continuously Variable Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 180 - 192 hp 187 - 227 hp
Towing Capacity 1,500 - 2,000 lbs 2,000 lbs
Exterior Length 180.5 - 181.2 in 180.1 in
Exterior Width 74.1 in 72.6 in
Leg Room Front 42.4 in
Rear 38.9 - 40.7 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Head Room Front 40.0 in
Rear 39.3 in
Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
The Ford Escape offers a bit more room for passengers in the back seat than the Mazda CX-5. The Ford Escape will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Mazda CX-5.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Ford Escape as you will with the Mazda CX-5, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the Ford Escape will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Mazda CX-5.

Dimensions
Since the Ford Escape is much wider than the Mazda CX-5, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. When looking at overall length, the Ford Escape takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Mazda CX-5.

Handling
The Ford Escape has a larger turning radius than the Mazda CX-5, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
If you've got something you need to pull, the Ford Escape will do just as well as the Mazda CX-5, since they have about the same towing capacity. The Ford Escape has a little less horsepower than the Mazda CX-5.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the Ford Escape transmits power to its wheels a bit more effectively than the Mazda CX-5.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5. The Ford Escape has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Mazda CX-5.