2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$29,515 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The initial assessment between the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 reveals a significant $3,540 MSRP discrepancy, with the CX-30 starting lower at $25,975 compared to the Escape's $29,515. Performance metrics are close; the Escape produces 199 lb-ft of torque versus the CX-30's 186 lb-ft, although the CX-30 edges out the Escape slightly in peak horsepower with 186 hp versus 180 hp. Fuel economy favors the Ford, achieving a combined 30 MPG compared to the Mazda's 27 MPG combined, though the Escape uses FWD while the CX-30 offers standard AWD. Size differences are substantial: the Escape is 7.1 inches longer (180.1 vs 173.0 inches) and offers 17.3 cubic feet more cargo volume (37.5 vs 20.2 cu ft). Transmission setups differ significantly, with the Escape utilizing an 8-speed automatic against the CX-30's 6-speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Escape

The 2025 Ford Escape offers superior fuel efficiency at 30 MPG combined, reducing running costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Escape

The Escape provides substantially more utility, boasting 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly higher peak horsepower at 186 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 undercuts the Ford Escape by $3,540 at the base MSRP, representing a lower upfront investment.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

Maximum cargo hauling is necessary, as the Escape offers 37.5 cu ft versus 20.2 cu ft.
Consistent, slightly better fuel economy (30 combined MPG) is a priority over standard AWD.
You prefer the operation of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a 6-speed unit.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Achieving the lowest possible starting price, $25,975, is the primary purchasing driver.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is required for variable driving conditions.
You desire the higher maximum horsepower output of 186 hp, despite lower torque figures (186 lb-ft).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Escape	Mazda CX-30
Length	180.1"	173.0"
Width	74.1"	70.7"
Height	66.0"	61.4"
Wheelbase	106.7"	104.4"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
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	186 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

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/503.2 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	12.7 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	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
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)	—	✓

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.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	54.6 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.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	53.2 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	215/65R16
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
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 2026 Mazda CX-30.

Which crossover is physically larger?

The 2025 Ford Escape is the larger vehicle, measuring 180.1 inches in length compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches. This difference translates directly into significantly more usable space inside, evidenced by the 37.5 cu ft of cargo room in the Escape.

Does the standard drivetrain setup favor highway commuting?

Yes, the Ford Escape is equipped with standard Front Wheel Drive and delivers 34 MPG on the highway, whereas the standard AWD CX-30 is rated slightly lower at 31 MPG highway.

How do the torque and horsepower outputs compare directly?

The Ford Escape leads in torque production with 199 lb-ft, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. However, the Mazda CX-30 has a slight advantage in peak power delivery, generating 186 hp compared to the Escape's 180 hp.

What is the primary cost difference between these two models?

The 2025 Ford Escape carries an MSRP of $29,515, which is $3,540 more expensive than the 2026 Mazda CX-30 starting price of $25,975.

Are the transmissions fundamentally different?

Yes, the Ford Escape utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission for potentially smoother shifts and efficiency. In contrast, the Mazda CX-30 employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.