There's a reason why Ford is one of the most dependable brands on the market. From small sedans to SUVs, their handling and safety can rarely be matched-a fact that is apparent to Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Easton, Nazareth, and Lehigh Valley drivers when the Ford Escape is pitted against the Mazda CX-5.
Check out this detailed 2020 Ford Escape vs. 2020 Mazda CX-5 comparison by our team at Ray Price Stroud Ford to see for yourself!
Your Safety Is the Top Priority
If you're wondering why the 2020 Escape has been awarded a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the answer is simple: structure. This crossover was built to protect you, no matter how severe the impact.
The Escape comes equipped with one of the most comprehensive airbag systems in the industry, bolstering its already rigid frame. Ford doesn't stop there, though. The Ford Escape safety features also come equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety suite. With this suite, you'll get a comprehensive lineup of standard driver-assist technologies that are designed to act like a second set of eyes on the road. They include:
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Rear View Camera
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
You can also beef up this system with additional features, including Active Park Assist 2.0, which can automatically steer you into a spot as long as you're shifted into Neutral and have the Active Park Assist 2.0 button engaged.
With the Mazda CX-5, you'll also get an active safety suite with several advanced features that are nearly identical to the Escape's. The Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert works hard to maximize your spatial awareness while the Lane Departure Warning System helps you prevent collisions by letting you know if you're starting to veer from your lane.
This model, like the Ford Escape, offers available Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go technology. These systems expertly monitor the traffic in front of you while you're in cruise control and automatically adjust your speed if it detects the vehicle in front of you is slowing down.
Even with these features, this model's safety suite isn't quite as comprehensive as the Escape's. You'll miss out on a few features, such as Evasive Steering Assist.
Escape vs CX-5: Handling
As you might guess from its safety array, the Ford Escape is a vehicle that wants all bases covered. When it comes to handling, several different features have been equipped to help you navigate those rough roads.
Both models offer available intelligent all-wheel drive systems. These systems are designed to monitor your driving conditions and automatically adjust torque distribution to give you the best grip on the road possible.
The Escape has a leg up, though, with its Disconnect technology. This extra tech will engage AWD mode when extra guidance is needed and disconnect the rear driveline when it isn't to maximize your fuel economy whenever possible.
While this system is highly effective on its own, numerous other features have been added to enhance it. With AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) and Torque Vectoring Control to back you up, those hazardous roads are a lot less nerve-wracking. Plus, you can opt for a Selectable Drive Mode system with several available modes, including Slippery, Eco, Deep Snow/Sand, and more.
AWD is available in the Mazda CX-5 as well as stability control. Nevertheless, its drive selection system doesn't have as many versatile modes as the Ford Escape. Without disconnect technology either, the CX-T may be at a disadvantage on wet or snowy roads.
Performance & Capability Specs
When it comes to power and efficiency, there's quite a bit to compare between these models. For starters, there's a huge difference between powertrain selection when comparing the Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5. The Escape offers four engine options, while the Mazda CX-5 gives you half as many options.
The biggest difference between their engine lineups is the diversity of their selections. The Ford Escape gives you the choice between two EcoBoost® engines with up to 250 horsepower to offer, a hybrid engine, and a plug-in hybrid engine. With the 2.5L hybrid powertrain, you'll achieve up to an EPA-estimated 44 city/37 highway MPG.
Even if you don't go with either of the hybrid engines, you'll still be able to count on great fuel economy with the Escape thanks to this model's Auto Start-Stop Technology and available fuel-conscious transmission of the Ford Escape configurations.
With the Mazda CX-5, you can opt for an available 2.5L engine that will give you the same maximum horsepower as the Escape's top EcoBoost® engine. Ramp up the use of your power in the Mazda CX-5 with a dynamic Drive Selection system. Similar to the one you'll find in the Escape, this system lets you choose a drive mode, like Sport Mode, to maximize enjoyment behind the wheel.
However, if you're using your CX-5 to commute or travel frequently, you'll be out of luck when it comes to enhanced fuel economy. Why? Well, this model does not offer a hybrid engine. The best fuel economy you'll get with this model is an EPA-estimated 25 city/31 highway MPG.
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