Once upon a time, Mazda and Ford were partners, but those days are long gone. Now, the two companies compete in various vehicle segments, including small SUVs. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Ford Escape feature simple, clean looks, compelling interiors, and surprisingly exciting powertrain options. However, some differences need to be examined when considering these vehicles.
Let’s take a closer look at these two SUVs.
2025 Mazda CX-5
2024 model shown
The CX-5 has been a Mazda mainstay for several years. It’s a 2-row SUV with room for five people. And despite not having had a major facelift in years, the CX-5 doesn’t look out of place with Mazda’s newer offerings or the competitors in its class.
Do you remember “Zoom Zoom”? Mazda is known for producing practical but spirited vehicles. The CX-5 is exactly that — a jack-of-all-trades vehicle: people and cargo hauler, daily commuter, etc.
If you want to have a little fun, it can be pushed around a bit — especially if you get it with the 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine, putting out up to 256 horsepower. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. Everything is pretty much where you’d want it as a driver, and the convenience and safety technology is top-notch. Pricing begins at $29,990, including the destination fee.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Standard AWD: All CX-5 models come standard with all-wheel drive. Dubbed “i-Activ AWD,” the system can send power to different wheels according to the needs of the moment. And it can revert to front-wheel drive for optimum fuel economy.
Powerful engine: Mazda’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine already puts out 187 horsepower, and on the right roads, it can be plenty of fun. But upgrading to the turbocharged version with premium fuel unlocks another 69 horses, which amps up the performance quite a bit.
Special edition: The Carbon Turbo CX-5 comes with an exclusive exterior and interior color scheme. It’s Rhodium White Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic outside and terracotta leather and black inside.
Read our Mazda CX-5 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you.
2025 Ford Escape
2024 model shown
Around for more than two decades, the Ford Escape has maintained its popularity in the small SUV segment by providing good value in a very attractive package. It looked like a rugged little SUV for years, but it’s grown up into a more curved, sophisticated look.
Aside from four powertrain options, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), that provide a mix of excellent power and fuel economy, the Escape offers ample room for passengers and a cavernous amount of space for cargo. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds, allowing for lighter sports machines or even a small boat.
The Escape is available in six trim levels, in ascending order: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite, and Plug-in Hybrid. Pricing for the Escape starts at $29,645, including destination fee.
Ford Escape Highlights
Plenty of technology: Not only did Ford make wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, but its SYNC4 system allows the driver to handle a variety of tasks using the 12-inch touchscreen available on some models.
Powertrain choices: A 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine putting out 180 hp comes standard, but Ford offers plenty of options. If you want more power, try the 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and get 250 hp. The two hybrid options — conventional and plug-in — offer more power and better fuel economy (EPA-estimated 39 combined mpg with the conventional hybrid) than the base engine.
Comfort and room: In this vehicle, space isn’t an issue. Each of its seating measurements is larger than the Mazda CX-5, and the cargo area behind the second row is substantially bigger. The Escape is the one to get if interior space is a priority.
Read our Ford Escape Expert Review or see 2025 Ford Escape models for sale near you.
Similarities
Uncomplicated styling with good options for powertrains and reasonable prices make the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape contenders for your driveway.
Conclusion
Both of these SUVs are very good vehicles. Points for looks inside and out go to the Mazda CX-5, but the Ford Escape wins on powertrains and space. The Mazda CX-5 is the sporty and stylish choice, but the roomier and more efficient Ford Escape is the more practical option.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 Prices
New 2025 Ford Escape Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2025 Ford Escape | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic/FWD/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg | 27 city/34 highway/30 combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder/2.5-liter hybrid/PHEV |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/360,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 106.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 74.1 |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 66.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 37.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 30.0 cubic feet | 37.5 cubic feet |