2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 bursts onto the scene with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, offering a genuinely engaging premium experience that few crossovers can match. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Escape appeals to the practical core of the crossover segment, prioritizing efficiency and accessibility. The CX-70 demands $40,445, a full $10,095 more than the Escape’s $30,350 entry point, but rewards drivers with 100 more horsepower. While the CX-70 achieves 25 combined MPG, the lighter and more frugal Escape nets 30 combined MPG, providing a significant 5 MPG advantage for daily drivers. Furthermore, the CX-70 is substantially larger at 200.8 inches long compared to the Escape's 180.1 inches, translating to a more commanding presence on the road alongside its superior output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 25 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers a more substantial platform, being 200.8 inches long with standard AWD, suggesting better versatility for family hauling.
2025 Mazda CX-70
With 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the Mazda CX-70 offers significantly more exhilarating performance than the Escape's 180 hp output.
2026 Ford Escape
The 2026 Ford Escape presents superior financial value, costing $10,095 less while delivering better efficiency.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You prioritize driving excitement, benefiting from the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque available.
- You need the larger footprint, indicated by its 200.8-inch length and standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You are willing to pay a premium for sharper design and a more powerful powertrain.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Escape starts $10,095 less expensive at $30,350.
- Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, thanks to its excellent 30 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle suitable for tighter city driving maneuvers (180.1 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-70 | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 180.1" |
| Width | - | 74.1" |
| Height | 68.2" | 66.0" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 106.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | — |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/28 MPG | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 399.6/503.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and 2026 Ford Escape.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Mazda CX-70 than the 2026 Ford Escape?
The Mazda CX-70 is significantly more potent, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ford Escape’s 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This 100 hp advantage makes the CX-70 the choice for enthusiasts.
Is the difference in fuel economy worth the higher MSRP for the CX-70?
No, the Ford Escape holds a 5 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (30 MPG vs. 25 MPG) while costing $10,095 less, making the Escape the clear winner on immediate running costs and initial purchase price.
Which vehicle offers more interior space for cargo?
The larger 2025 Mazda CX-70 has a slight edge in official capacity, offering 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2026 Ford Escape provides a respectable 37.5 cubic feet.
What does the difference in drivetrain mean for these crossovers?
The CX-70 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, suggesting better grip in various conditions, whereas the base Escape utilizes Front Wheel Drive, optimizing it for better efficiency.
Are both vehicles designed to use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Ford Escape are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the premium fuel costs associated with some performance vehicles.
Which car is physically larger on the road?
The Mazda CX-70 is substantially larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length, while the 2026 Ford Escape is more compact at 180.1 inches long, impacting maneuverability and presence.
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