Compare the2026 Ford EscapeVS 2026 Mazda CX-5

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ford Escape achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mazda CX-5 has not been tested.

Both the Escape and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

There are over 5 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape’s warranty.

The Escape has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Escape first among compact suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The CX-5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 32 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Ford higher than Mazda.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ford 3 places higher in reliability than Mazda.

The Escape’s standard 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder produces 13 lbs.-ft. more torque (199 vs. 186) than the CX-5’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Escape’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 63 more horsepower (250 vs. 187) and 94 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 186) than the CX-5’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Escape gets better mileage than the CX-5:

The Escape has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Escape, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-5.

The Escape has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-5’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Ford Escape may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 600 pounds less than the Mazda CX-5.

The Escape is 4.5 inches shorter than the CX-5, making the Escape easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Escape uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Escape has .3 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more rear legroom, .9 inches more rear hip room and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-5.

The Escape has a much larger cargo volume than the CX-5 with its rear seat up (37.5 vs. 33.7 cubic feet).

An optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the Escape. The CX-5 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Escape’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-5’s (2000 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-5 is only 1500 pounds. The Escape offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Escape uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The power windows standard on both the Escape and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Escape is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape’s available exterior PIN entry system. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Escape’s standard Intelligent Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Premium.

Both the Escape and the CX-5 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Escape offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to traditional radio, the Ford Escape’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-5 Premium.

The Escape is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Ford Escape outsold the Mazda CX-5 by 3052 units during 2025.