2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Ford Escape
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the spacious, upscale 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the nimble, efficient 2026 Ford Escape often boils down to how much you prioritize premium power versus everyday savings. The price gap is substantial, with the CX-90 starting at $38,045 compared to the Escape's $30,350 MSRP. If you need muscle, the Mazda delivers significantly, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, trouncing the Escape's 180 hp. However, this power comes at a cost at the pump; the Escape achieves a superior combined 30 MPG, beating the CX-90's 25 MPG rating. Furthermore, while the CX-90 is a large SUV at 200.8 inches long, the smaller Escape offers more than double the utility space with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mazda's slim 14.9 cu ft.
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 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-90
Despite lower MPG, the 2025 Mazda CX-90's larger body (200.8 inches long) suggests better interior space for occupants, prioritizing passenger comfort.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is the enthusiast's choice, offering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Escape's power figures.
2026 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers substantially better value by saving buyers $7,695 upfront and delivering 5 MPG better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You need robust power, taking advantage of the 280 hp engine and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the base model.
- You desire a larger presence on the road, evidenced by the CX-90's 200.8-inch length.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- Your primary concern is saving money, thanks to the $7,695 lower starting MSRP.
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency to save on running costs, netting 30 combined MPG.
- You need maximum hauling space, as the Escape offers a cavernous 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Ford Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 180.1" |
| Width | 78.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| 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: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
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-90 and 2026 Ford Escape.
What is the main trade-off between the 2025 CX-90 and the 2026 Escape?
The trade-off centers on power versus practicality and cost. The CX-90 offers 100 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 180 hp) and premium size, but you pay about $7,695 more and lose 5 MPG in fuel economy compared to the Escape.
Is the Mazda CX-90 significantly larger than the Ford Escape?
Yes, the CX-90 is noticeably larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Escape's 180.1 inches. However, surprisingly, the smaller Escape provides over double the storage space at 37.5 cu ft versus the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft.
Which vehicle uses regular unleaded fuel?
Both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Ford Escape specify regular unleaded fuel for their respective powertrains, meaning neither requires premium gas for base operation.
How does the standard drivetrain differ between these two crossovers?
The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing better traction in varied conditions. Conversely, the Ford Escape comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, which typically aids in achieving its higher MPG ratings.
If I drive mostly in the city, which crossover is more economical?
The 2026 Ford Escape is more economical, rated at 27 MPG city, compared to the CX-90's 24 MPG city rating, offering better savings during stop-and-go driving.
Do these cars have similar transmissions?
Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission; however, the Mazda CX-90 specifies a 'shiftable' automatic, suggesting a sportier manual control option compared to the Escape's standard 8-speed automatic.
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