2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$29,515 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Escape arrives with an efficiency edge, boasting a combined 30 MPG, significantly better than the 2025 Mazda CX-5’s 25 MPG rating, making the Ford the pragmatic choice for daily drivers. However, the CX-5 captures the heart with a sharper, sportier spirit, offering 187 hp versus the Escape’s 180 hp, hinting at a more engaging drive despite its lower efficiency figures. Design-wise, the Escape is slightly broader at 74.1 inches wide, while the CX-5 offers slightly better torque delivery at 186 lb-ft compared to the Escape's 199 lb-ft, though the Escape leverages its power better for economy. Priced nearly identically, with the CX-5 starting at $28,770 and the Escape at $29,515, the choice boils down to prioritizing fuel savings (Escape) or all-weather confidence and driving feel (CX-5), especially considering the CX-5’s standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Escape

The 2025 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape offers significantly more usable space with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 appeals more to enthusiasts with its 187 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 provides slightly more horsepower and standard AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $28,770.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Escape achieves 34 MPG highway.
You require maximum storage, benefiting from the substantial 37.5 cu ft cargo volume.
You prefer the smoother, more efficient gearing of an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You desire standard traction management via All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer the slightly higher peak output of 187 horsepower.
You seek a lower initial outlay, with the CX-5 starting at $28,770.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Escape	Mazda CX-5
Length	180.1"	180.1"
Width	74.1"	72.6"
Height	66.0"	66.1"
Wheelbase	106.7"	106.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	180 hp @ 6000 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/503.2 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	15.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Steering Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	55.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	P225/65R17
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Mazda CX-5.

Which crossover handles foul weather better, the Escape or the CX-5?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the better equipped choice as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Ford Escape is listed with front-wheel drive, meaning the CX-5 offers more inherent traction for rain or snow.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two vehicles?

The difference is considerable, with the Ford Escape delivering 30 MPG combined compared to the Mazda CX-5's 25 MPG combined rating. This 5 MPG advantage suggests the Escape will save hundreds annually in fuel costs.

Is the higher price of the Ford Escape justified by its size?

The Ford Escape is technically the same length at 180.1 inches but offers noticeably more utility; its 37.5 cu ft cargo space dwarfs the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft capacity.

Which car offers a more engaging driving experience based on specs?

Enthusiasts might lean toward the CX-5, which provides 187 hp and utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. While the Escape has more torque (199 lb-ft vs 186 lb-ft), the CX-5 feels tuned for spirited driving.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs down.

What is the difference in physical footprint between the two crossovers?

The Ford Escape is slightly wider at 74.1 inches compared to the CX-5's 72.6 inches, although both share the exact same length and near-identical height specifications.